26/06/2014

Govt Has 'No Intention' Of Changing Free Travel Pass Scheme

Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, has confirmed that the government has "absolutely no intention" of changing the Free Travel Pass Scheme for older people.

Welcoming the announcement, which was made during a radio interview this morning, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell, said: "This Government has delivered three budgets without touching the Free Travel Pass and this is not set to change in Budget 2015.

"I want to assure older people across the country that there is no fear of their travel pass being removed. As is the case every year, issues are raised by Age Action Ireland in their pre-budget submission.

"This was one of the issues earmarked by Age Action Ireland as they are eager it is protected. This was never raised by Government as a possible area for cuts."

It is understood that working group is reviewing the free travel scheme but no report has yet been finalised.

(MH/JP)

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