Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2004
96 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will be proactive in encouraging developments on foot of the report commissioned by the European Commission recommending the establishment of a senior euro pass card for member states. [11951/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra115 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there is a common framework within the EU to allow persons who have travel passes in their own country to travel on same within the EU; the progress that has been made in establishing a senior euro pass card, within the EU, which would entitle older persons to concessions on various services, including travel, cultural and social activities with a particular emphasis on the benefits for Irish emigrants living in the UK and elsewhere; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12161/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 115 together.
The free travel scheme is 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. It applies to travel within the State and cross Border journeys between here and Northern Ireland. 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 move towards having a senior euro pass card which would entitle older people to concessions on various services, including travel, cultural and social activities.
The role of my Department in matters relating to the senior euro pass has been to submit observations, as required, in conjunction with other Departments and 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 introduction of a senior euro pass is an initiative which would have to be developed at EU level. While it would be a welcome addition to the travel and other concessions our older citizens already enjoy within the State, I understand that further work on this issue has been suspended at EU level.
