Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to comment on the review of the free travel pass for pensioners, as has been mentioned already by my colleague Senator Hildegarde Naughton. The Government very much values the free travel scheme. The review is being conducted with a view to modernising the scheme; it is not about taking it away. That is not the agenda of the Government. I am glad to say pensioners will be protected in the review of the free travel scheme. We are all aware that issues relating to the misuse of passes, fraud and ID must be addressed. Any suggestion that the Government will remove the free travel pass from pensioners is not a reflection of what is on the agenda, as stated by Senator Hildegarde Naughton. Pensioners who are entitled to it will not have it taken from them. I am happy to allay any fears pensioners may have on the review issue. Those who have travel passes will keep them and those who are misusing them will be found out.