Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to share time with Deputies James Bannon, Mary Mitchell O'Connor, Joe McHugh, Eamonn Maloney, Joanna Tuffy, John O'Mahony, Catherine Byrne and Paul Connaughton.

More than 1.1 million people avail of a free travel pass in this country. The majority are over 66 years of age and, in many cases, hold companion passes to enable a partner, carer or relative to travel free with that person if it is deemed necessary based on a health certificate. Over the past three budgets, the Government has protected the free travel scheme despite the need to reduce welfare spending. That is the case because the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, and her Government understand and recognise the hugely important role the free travel scheme plays in allowing older people to live their lives to the full. Older people, like most sectors over recent years, have had to endure significant cuts such as the abolition of the telephone allowance. However, when we consider what they had to suffer under the previous Fianna Fáil-led Government, then it does not compare. For example, the main pension payments, including the blind pension, were reduced.

This motion is in response to a review of the free travel pass system as currently structured, which is only right and correct. There is huge potential for fraud and, to give the taxpayer better value for the €70 million the free travel costs, the Government should examine all options. It is time that any person with free travel pass entitlements should have it included on the new public service card that has fraud prevention capabilities, including facial imaging detection. This will reduce the risk of fraud and of people allowing other people to use the card. I am glad that Ministers have clarified that the free travel scheme is not at risk and I hope all Members listen clearly to the message. However, we are fooling ourselves if we think all users are legitimate so I encourage the Departments of Transport, Tourism and Sport and Social Protection to ensure adequate fraud detection within the system. The Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, outlined that there will be no changes.

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