Byrne welcomes assurances that there will be no changes the free travel scheme

Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD, Catherine Byrne, has welcomed assurances from Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton TD, that the Government has no plans to change the free travel scheme for older people.

“I am pleased that Minister Burton has confirmed that the Government has no plan to remove free travel passes from older people and there has been no suggestion that the free travel scheme is to be changed.

“I fully understand how important the free travel scheme is to older people; it allows them to get out and about, do their shopping and visit family and friends. It is important to state that this Government has delivered three very difficult budgets without touching the free travel pass and this is not set to change in Budget 2015.

“I understand that Age Action has raised the issue of the free travel pass in their pre-budget submission, but it has not been earmarked for cuts by the Government.

“A working group is currently reviewing the free travel scheme but it has not yet finalised its report. When this review concludes, the Minister will receive a copy of its report and recommendations for consideration.”

ENDS