Ireland's free travel scheme will be protected, according to a spokesperson for the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton.
The spokesperson for the Tánaiste said that the scheme will not be "undermined" in any way.
Her office was responding to reports in today's Irish Times that a number of State transport providers want some rush hour travel restrictions introduced on the scheme.
Around a quarter of the country's population uses the programme, which is currently under review, however funding has been frozen for the past five years.