The free travel scheme will continue, Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton has said.

Ms Burton told the Dáil tonight that 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,’’ she said.

Ms Burton took time out from preparing for the Cabinet reshuffle to reply to a Fianna Fáil Private Member's motion opposing any diminution of the scheme.

She warned against scaring old people in particular about something being taken away which was iconic and they valued and used in their lives.

“So I would really like the people in Fianna Fáil to acknowledge that,” Ms Burton added

Ms Burton said the Government made no apology for carrying out a review of a scheme, which was almost 50 years old. Its purpose, she added, was to examine and report on the current operation and future development of the scheme.

Fianna Fáil social protrection spokesman Willie O’Dea said free travel was a lifeline for many pensioners, as it allowed them to interact socially and have a reason to get up in the morning.

The €77 million cost involved was a drop in the ocean in the overall context of Government expenditure, he added.