Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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230. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if the recent attempts to privatise part of the bus service is the first step in trying to do away with the free travel pass for senior citizens; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15731/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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There are currently approximately 800,000 people in Ireland in receipt of free travel at an annual cost of €77 million per annum. The free travel scheme is available to all people aged over 66 living permanently in the State. Applicants who are under age 66 must be in receipt of a qualifying payment in order to qualify for the scheme.

While the management and restructuring of bus routes etc. is primarily a matter for my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I wish to assure the Deputy that there is no intention of removing free travel from senior citizens.