Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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529. To ask the Minister for Social Protection his plans to introduce a surcharge on the free travel pass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41083/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The free travel scheme provides free travel for those with eligibility on the main public and private transport services which includes road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann, Luas and services provided by over 80 private transport operators. There are currently approximately 873,000 customers with direct eligibility with an annual allocation of €80 million.

I believe that the free travel pass is a valuable support for older people and people with disabilities, and I have no plans to introduce a surcharge on the free travel pass.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.