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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 24 Oct 2002

Vol. 556 No. 2

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

30 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she favours the development of reciprocal free travel arrangements for pensioners throughout the European Union; and her proposals in this regard. [19380/02]

The free travel scheme is generally available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over. It is also available to carers and to people with disabilities who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments.

The free travel scheme, in conjunction with the Northern Ireland concessionary travel scheme, provides free travel on cross-Border routes for pass holders of both jurisdictions. This scheme applies to cross-border journeys and not travel exclusively within each jurisdiction. I would refer in this connection to the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government to setting in place an all-Ireland free travel scheme for pensioners resident in all parts of this island.

At EU level, a report, Towards a Senior Euro Pass, was commissioned by the Social Affairs Directorate of the European Commission and published by Age Concern, England, at the end of 1997. This report 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.
The initiative envisaged by the Deputy would have to be developed at EU level and, while no firm proposals have been tabled to date, it is likely that this issue will feature in future consideration of developments in the social policy area.
Question No. 31 answered with Question No. 24.
Question No. 32 answered with Question No. 26.
Question No. 33 answered with Question No. 15.
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