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Unread 15-03-2013, 08:23   #1
Mark Gleeson
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Default [article] Free travel payment based on 1973 survey, committee hears

Quote:
Originally Posted by Irish Times
Annual payments of some € 61m to CIÉ for the State’s free travel scheme is based on a passenger estimate from 1973, the secretary general of the Department of Social Protection said today.
Niamh O’Donoghue was speaking at the examination of her department’s accounts by the Public Accounts Committee.
Committee chairman John McGuinness expressed shock at learning of the 30 year lag in data during the meeting.
Ms O’Donoghue told the committee that the department had “absolute figures” on eligibility, in that 1.1m people that qualify for the scheme.
Mr McGuinness asked if she was satisfied it was value for money.
The benefits available for people on the free travel and the number of beneficiaries had increased at no cost, she said. CIÉ also believed they were being underpaid, she added.
“I am shocked you continue pay the company money and do not know the numbers” that use it, Mr McGuinness said.
The public services card being introduced by the Department would allow usage to be monitored, she said..
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