John Whelan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Surely, if even a small fraction of small businesses, which are the backbone of the economy, took one person off the dole we would be well on the way towards reducing the unemployment figures.

I ask the Minister to review the manner in which the free travel scheme is operated. There are free travel passes going around this country like confetti at a wedding. A child could photocopy them. They are being swapped, sold and abused. It is undermining the integrity of the free travel scheme for those who are entitled to it, appreciate it and need it most. It is also undermining public transport and the provision of funding for CIE.