§ Mr. DoddsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what services each Department provides free of charge to those aged 65 and over in Northern Ireland. [87339]
§ Jane KennedyThe Department of Agriculture's Agri-Food Development Service offers a comprehensive lifelong learning provision relevant to the agri-food industry and rural communities. Those working within the local agri-food industry and rural communities, including those aged 65 and over, may participate on a free of charge basis. A free collection service is provided to all farmers irrespective of age for fallen bovines aged over 24 months and fallen sheep to enable Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE) surveillance testing to be carried out.
Department of Culture Arts and Leisure (DCAL) does not directly deliver services on the ground. However, through its Agencies and NDPBs it does provide services to the public, etc. The following are offered free of charge—24 Museums offer free admission to all, including over 65s. And additionally, four charging museums have occasional days of free entry for senior citizens. The public library service which DCAL funds through the five Education and Library Boards offers Book loans, reference services and access to the internet free of charge for all users of the Public Library Service regardless of age. The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) offer free access to the archives held by PRONI regardless of age.
The Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) provided the following services free of charge to those aged 65 and over in Northern Ireland; Employment Services delivered through JobCentres and Jobs and Benefits offices Access to Work (NI) Employment Support Job Introduction Scheme New Deal…for Disabled People New Deal 50+ Training for Work Worktrack Essential Skills for Living courses on offer at 34 learndirect Centres throughout Northern Ireland.
In addition to the services provided by the national health service that are free to everybody irrespective of age, Department of Health Social Services and Public Safety people aged 60 years and over are entitled to free prescriptions and eye-tests. The Home Help service is free to people aged 75 and over.
The Department of Environment (DOE) through the DVLNI provide driving licences free to those 70 and over in Northern Ireland.
The Department for Social Development (DSD) administers The Warm Homes and Warm Homes Plus schemes administered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, and available to homeowners and those in private rented sector housing, are provided free of charge to everyone, regardless of age, in receipt of certain income and disability related benefits.
781WThe Department for Regional Development (DRD) provides resources to enable public transport operators to offer free travel to persons aged 65 years and over.
Roads Services provides free travel for the over 65s on the Strangford to Portaferry ferry service and Air and Sea Ports Division funds such free travel on the Ballycastle to Rathlin ferry.