AQW 14470/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 05/09/2024
Answered On Date: 14/10/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on the operation of the Northern Ireland Concessionary Fares Scheme for Asylum Seekers.

Answer:

Asylum seekers who meet the eligibility requirements for the NI Concessionary Fares Scheme on the grounds of age or disability can access concessionary travel. In June 2023, my Department launched a public consultation on changes to eligibility for the Scheme, which included an option to extend concessionary fares to all asylum seekers. However, due to funding pressures, I will not be taking forward any of the options which would increase the costs of the Scheme, at this time.

I will however remove the three-month residency condition and extend the list of accepted documentation to prove residency. This will help make the Scheme more accessible to those who are already eligible, including asylum seekers.