Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

It was not a once-off budgetary measure but was part of the National Recovery Plan 2011-2014, from which I can quote if I have time. That is undeniably the case. It is true, as stated by Deputy McConalogue, that Fianna Fáil was in government in 1967 when the free travel scheme was introduced. Fianna Fáil was also in government when the freeze was introduced in 2010.

It was also mentioned that the interdepartmental group comprised no representatives of the elderly. This is true. That is the nature of an interdepartmental group. However, the terms of reference were public and the people carrying out the review met with a large range of representative groups, including the elderly, the disabled and carers. They also met with representatives of the transport operators. Everyone had the opportunity to present their views.

This Government entered office at a time of unprecedented economic challenge. Our public finances are now performing well. Our projected deficit is in line with the targets to be achieved. We have shown that stable public finances are an essential prerequisite to long-term economic growth and job creation. We are only able to successfully access the markets in the long term if the markets believe we have a credible fiscal strategy and agree that our debt is sustainable. I want to assure the House that the Government, in the context of a very tough budgetary environment, will continue to do its utmost to protect the most vulnerable people in Irish society. This includes maintaining the free travel scheme, which has been protected in successive budgets and will continue to be protected. The free travel pass is safe for beneficiaries.

I commend the Government amendment to the House.

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