I would like to reassure those with a free travel pass that there are no plans to introduce surcharges.

“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 Éireann, Iarnród Éireann 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.

“It is a lifeline for those who have no other means of transport and allows the elderly and disabled to live independently. It is a most valuable support and the Minister for Social protection Leo Varadkar has assured me that he has no plans to introduce a charge”.