Vol. 414 No. 9
80 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the fact that private transport companies are now servicing routes previously serviced only by Bus Eireann, he will undertake to safeguard the free travel entitlement of old age pensioners with these transport companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
81 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will make representations to the Department of Tourism, Transport and Communications with a view to safeguarding the free travel rights of old-age pensioners in view of the expansion of private transport companies on routes hitherto serviced only by Bus éireann.
It is proposed to answer Questions Nos. 80 and 81 together.
82 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether his Department have made any proposal for a common free travel scheme for senior citizens which would operate on public transport in all EC member states similar to the way in which free travel for senior citizens operates in this country.
No other member state of the EC operates a free travel scheme on similar lines to the Irish free travel scheme. A number of countries operate concessionary arrangements which vary from country to country. The introduction of similar arrangements in other countries would be of major advantage to senior citizens and I would be in favour of arrangements of this kind.
The Commission of the European Community has issued a recommendation concerning the introduction of a European over-sixties card which might serve as evidence of age in respect of advantages in the field of public transport and cultural activities. This recommendation does not, however, oblige member states to introduce any advantages which do not already exist in their national territories.
