Minister moves to calm fears ahead of free-travel review
Social Protection Minister Joan Burton has today moved to allay concerns that she may be forced to take free travel from older people and carers.
Minister Burton confirmed that a review of the scheme is underway.
The scheme is capped at €77m, which means that means the Minister will either have to remove it from certain people, restrict new entrants, or re-negotiate the cost with providers.
Speaking in Dublin this morning, Minister Burton said that she hopes to negotiate the price of travel.
"We've issues with the transport operators - they are aware, of course, that that amount of money is a very, very large spend by Government," she said.
"I understand that they value the business - I know particularly from CIE that they value the free travel scheme".
"It's a matter which is for review and discussion."
Minister Burton said yesterday that she places a very high value on free travel.
The scheme benefits more than 700,000 older people, carers and people with disabilities.
