Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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154. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the free bus pass scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40979/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Government made clear in the “Statement of Government Priorities, 2014-2016” that it is committed to the full retention of the Free Travel Scheme. The Free Travel Scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for approximately 800,000 people, elderly, disabled and carers. Funding for the Free Travel Scheme was capped by the previous Government in the National Recovery Plan 2011-2014. Given the increasing number of recipients and the funding pressures, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and I established an interdepartmental working group to examine and report on the current operation and future development of the Free Travel Scheme. I expect to receive the final draft of the review shortly.