John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate. I also welcome the fact that this matter is being discussed and that a review is taking place in the context of ensuring that the free travel scheme - which is paid for by means of a subsidy from the Government - will be protected for those who really deserve it. The scheme provides a huge boost to business and tourism throughout the country and it is extremely important that it be continued. I welcome the fact that the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, and the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, have absolutely confirmed that the scheme is to be retained.

I am not sure from where - I have an idea - the motivation for this motion came.

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