Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move:

That Dáil Éireann:notes:

— the importance of ensuring the elderly are fully empowered to engage with society and are enabled to continue to be active members of their communities in all aspects;

— the vital role the Free Travel Pass has played in supporting elderly people and reducing isolation since it was introduced in 1967;

— that research carried out by Age Action Ireland found that almost 80 per cent of older people use their travel pass at least once a week, while 30 per cent use it daily in order to attend medical appointments and other personal journeys and social activities; and

— the broader economic benefit to towns and the hospitality sector that the Free Travel Pass provides by facilitating easier access by the elderly;

notes with concern:

— the Government’s disastrous previous record in reviewing vital social services such as the medical cards review fiasco; and

— the series of cuts that have already hit the elderly, such as the hike in prescription charges, abolition of the telephone allowance, reduction in the fuel allowance and erosion of housing aid supports;

condemns:

— the Government’s threats to abolish this vital and effective State support; and

— the potential to further isolate a vulnerable section of society and restrict their ability to fully engage in the life of their community;

and calls on the Government to:

— fully support and retain the Free Travel Scheme in its current form as a universal benefit to all people aged 66 and over; and

— work towards progressing the National Positive Ageing Strategy.

I wish to share time with Deputies Ó Cuív and Browne.

See this speech in context