A Clare Government TD says the Free Travel Scheme for older people will be fully protected in the upcoming budget.
State transport providers have called for restrictions to be put in place in an effort to reduce costs, a move which Fianna Fail says it will strongly oppose.
The Free Travel scheme allows those over the age of 66 to travel for free across a number of state services but transport providers have called for restrictions to be put in place during peak hours in an effort to reduce costs.
Nationally, 11 transport operators have withdrawn from some routes, claiming they are not financially viable while a further 14 private sector operators have left the scheme altogether.
Reports suggested that cuts could be implemented in the next budget due to a Government review of the scheme which is currently being carried out.
East Clare TD Timmy Dooley believes older citizens have been hit hard by the current Government and says his party remains committed to resisting any attempts at reducing access to or restricting use of the Free Travel Scheme.
Deputy Dooley, who is Fianna Fail's Transport Spokesman, says the scheme is not costing transport companies money, as its financed by the department of Social Protection.
Clare Fine Gael TD Pat Breen has dismissed speculation however, saying the Government remains fully committed to the scheme.
Deputy Breen says its simply scaremongering by the opposition ahead of October's budget.
