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

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.