Áine Collins (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the motion. The free travel scheme is equally important to rural and urban pensioners for carrying out everyday tasks. Last week, we spoke about the effects a sense of isolation can have on individuals, especially in rural areas. This applies especially to older people who have given so much to the country. Transport serves older people who, for one reason or another, can no longer drive or can only drive short distances. Most users say that, without the travel pass, they would be unable to attend medical or health appointments.

It is found that those over 60 years who take advantage of their right to free bus and train travel are also likely to walk and take exercise. The scheme allows older people to live with dignity and independence while being able to remain in close contact with family and friends. The recent downturn in the economy means many families have scattered throughout the country in order to obtain employment, with many moving from rural communities to cities. The pressure on most households to have two people working means they may not be able to spend as much time as they would like, or as they did in the past, with their parents. Free travel for pensioners enables them to remain in constant contact and allows them to travel to see their children and grandchildren.

Every Member agrees the free travel pass plays a significant role for elderly people. It is ironic that Fianna Fáil is raising the issue, as well as many others, to scare people. Cutbacks that society has had to bear over the past number of years would not have arisen only for the total mismanagement of the economy by Fianna Fáil. Fianna Fáil keeps saying that we must move on from the past and we are doing so. The economy is slowly recovering and we will gradually be able to restore and improve services but we will continue to remind Fianna Fáil and the electorate that the party brought the country to the edge of bankruptcy three times since the foundation of the State.

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