Mayo anger over plan to place charge on free travel pass

MAYO TD Dara Calleary has vowed to oppose any attempt by the government to place a charge on the free travel pass.

He was responding to a Department of Social Protection report which proposes a €50 annual charge for people in receipt of the benefit.

In recent days, senior members of Fine Gael have also been arguing for a yearly fee for people in receipt of the travel pass.

Said Deputy Calleary: “The free travel pass is a core social protection benefit, which has ensured that older people and people with disabilities have access to free travel on public transport in their communities and across the country for over 40 years.

'This enables people to retain their independence and go about their business without having to rely on family members or neighbours to get from A to B.

“There are hundreds of people across Mayo who currently hold a pass and all efforts must be made to ensure that it remains a free entitlement.

'A €50 charge goes against the very principle of free travel and would place another unfair cost on older people and people with a disability. This proposal must be avoided at all costs.

“Minister Varadkar must allay the fears of people by categorically ruling out any attempts to bring in a fee.'