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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Jul 2001

Vol. 540 No. 2

Written Answers. - Free Schemes.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

45 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he supports the principle of the introduction of the Euro Pass to establish a right for free and concessionary travel throughout the European Union for all EU pensioners as recommended by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Family, Community and Social Affairs two years ago; and if he will take further steps to ensure the introduction of such a Euro Pass. [20198/01]

The Deputy's report to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Family, Community and Social Affairs in September 1999 is based on the report "Towards a Senior Euro Pass", which was commissioned by the Social Affairs Directorate of the European Commission. It was undertaken and published by Age Concern, England at the end of 1997. It recommends that EU states should establish a senior euro pass card which would entitle older people to concessions on various services, including travel, cultural and social activities. However, I understand that further work on this issue has been suspended at EU level.

The role of my Department in matters relating to the senior euro pass is to submit observations, as required, in conjunction with other Departments, statutory and non-statutory bodies on any action taken to implement the proposals in this report, in so far as they affect the business of this Department. The administration of the euro pass itself is outside the remit of my Department.
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