Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton insisted in the Dáil last night that the Government had no plans to withdraw the free travel scheme.

She said the Coalition had provided steadfast support for older people. “And in that context, I want to say loud and clear here tonight: this Government has protected the free travel scheme for beneficiaries in all of its budgets to date, and will continue to protect the scheme.”

The Minister was replying to a Fianna Fáil Private Members' motion opposing any diminution of the scheme. She warned against scaring old people in particular about something being taken away which was iconic and which they valued and used in their lives. "So I would really like the people in Fianna Fáil to acknowledge that," Ms Burton said.

She said the scheme was introduced in 1967 to provide transport services to those aged over 70 who were living alone and in receipt of a social welfare pension. Owing to the range of policy changes implemented since then, the scheme was now universally available to all people permanently living in the State aged 66 and over. Those in receipt of the carer’s allowance and others, such as those in receipt of a disability allowance or invalidity pension, were also included.

Ms Burton said the Government made no apology for carrying out a review of a scheme that was almost 50 years old. “In the last five years, public services have faced an unprecedented challenge as we have tried to deliver services faster, better and more cost-effectively. All elements of the public service must work together to deliver value for money and quality public services that meet the needs of our community.”

Ms Burton said the purpose of the review was to examine and report on the operation and future development of the scheme. This would include fraud and control. She said her department had hosted its annual pre-budget forum last week and many of the advance submissions and contributions on the day had referred to the scheme.

Fianna Fáil Social Protection spokesman Willie O’Dea said free travel was a lifeline for many pensioners, as it allowed them to interact socially and to have a reason to get up in the morning. He said the scheme cost €77 million, which was a drop in the ocean in the overall context of Government expenditure. “Never has so little expenditure helped so many people.” He estimated that the Government had taken a total of over €290 million annually “out of the pockets” of the elderly and those who benefited from free travel.