Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators for their comments. I assure them that I value the arrangements in regard to free travel, as do pensioners. The bottom line is that abuse of the scheme undermines the benefit for everybody. The provisions in this Bill will ultimately protect the integrity of the scheme.

As to why a public services card was not introduced before now, I cannot answer. It has been discussed for ten years.