asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will remove the time restriction on free travel as it applies at present to old age pensioners.
Written Answers . - Free Travel Scheme .
362.
: I do not at present propose to amend the free travel scheme in the way suggested by the Deputy particularly since CIE have advised that such a move would add to the already heavy pressure on the public transport system in Dublin, Cork and Limerick. I will, however, be keeping the matter under review with the Minister for Transport in the light of developments in CIE services.
I have removed the restrictions which previously applied to long distance travel during the Christmas period and at the August Bank Holiday. They will no longer apply.