Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

A number of people have referred to the free travel pass.

I was glad to hear the positive comments made by the Government's side. We all realise that this particular document is very valuable. Its receipt is a cause for celebration because it is a testimonial to the worth of our senior citizens and an acknowledgement of the contribution they have made to the State, particularly in very difficult times. A lot of them would view the free travel pass as a birthday and anniversary card rolled into one on the occasion of its arrival in their house. I would be very sad if I thought it would in any way be diminished as a result of the review that is due to take place. We should remember that the travel pass gives senior citizens a sense of independence and mobility, which is very important when people are advancing in years. Many of these people live on their own and might wish to visit relatives, or they may have to visit a sick person a long way from home. There are so many cases, and if there are abuses - and I am not too sure what abuses are being referred to - obviously the matter must be examined. However, the basic concept of the travel pass must be protected at all costs.

I genuinely believe - I am not suggesting this is going to happen - that if we start in any way tinkering with what was a very generous scheme when it was first set up, it will make a lot of senior citizens feel very uneasy about their future. I know many people who fall into that category, and the pass makes their lives liveable. I know that is an exaggeration, but it does, in effect. I appeal to the Government to be very cautious in ensuring we do not add extra concern onto the shoulders of people who already have had a lot of disappointments and concerns. All of us in this House, from all political persuasions, want to see the right thing done in this case.