Concessionary Fares

Mr. Donaldson
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to introduce concessionary fares on public transport for carers of disabled people in Northern Ireland.

David Cairns
The Department has no plans, at present, to extend the Northern Ireland Concessionary Fares Scheme to provide concessionary fares for the carers of people with disabilities. On 26 June 2006 the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland launched a review of the Scheme. This review will consider the feasibility and desirability of extending the provision of concessionary travel to additional categories, such as carers.