Free travel scheme safe for now
Free travel on bus and train is a lifeline for many of the nation's pensioners.
It allows them to do the basics like travelling to town to do shopping or enjoy a day out even when they are on limited funds.
But will it last in these times of austerity?
Social Protection Minister Joan Burton was recently asked by Deputy Anne Ferris of the Labour Party if her attention has been drawn to media reports that the Government was considering withdrawing or restricting the free travel scheme.
She was asked if she was considering any proposals to change the current scheme.
Ms Burton said she appreciated the important role that free travel plays in promoting social inclusion.
"Funding for the scheme was frozen by the previous Government at 2010 levels of expenditure. This cap was confirmed in the 2012 Budget.
"The department has written to all companies operating the free travel scheme and has had discussions with a number of them in order to try to minimise the impact of the cap on expenditure on our customers.
"This may have given rise to some media speculation. The department has not proposed any changes to the operation of the scheme.
The current free travel scheme operated by the department provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible.
These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as Luas and services provided by more than 90 private transport operators.
"At the end of December 2011, there were over 726,000 people in receipt of free travel at a cost of almost €76m."
She said all of the schemes operated by the Department of Social Protection were examined in the context of expenditure.
They continue to be kept under review given the ongoing need for savings.
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