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Childers calls for Europe-wide travel pass at ISCP public meeting

Issued : Wednesday 20 May, 2009

Nessa Childers, Labour's MEP candidate for Ireland East, today announced a major proposal to bring free public transport to senior citizens from across the EU in all 27 EU member states. Nessa was speaking at an Irish Senior Citizens Parliament public meeting in Dundalk, organised in the run up to the European and local elections. The meeting focused on the European Union and the upcoming European elections as well as a number of other issues.

"I propose the extension of free public transport for older people across the EU. Regardless of what country they come from, are living in or are even visiting, older people across Europe should have a basic set of entitlements. What better place to start than an EU-wide bus & train pass.

"The last EU Transport Policy is coming to the end of its ten year period and next month the European Commission intends to produce a Communication on the long-term future of transport in the EU. I will fight to ensure that a free European bus and rail pass for older people is incorporated as part of the new European transport policy.

"One issue I am particularly concerned about is the Government's decision to cancel the so-called Christmas Bonus to pensioners. To call this a "Bonus" in the dead of winter reveals the Government's callousness and misunderstanding of the people. Many people, especially older people, depend on the extra payment to cover the additional costs that winter brings up, like heating bills.

"I fully support their protest in Dublin tomorrow and their campaign to have the "Bonus" reinstated. Cancelling the extra payment is indicative of the Government's attitude. The people haven't forgotten the disgraceful actions of the Government in last year's budget. Everyone over 70 should be entitled to free GP services and I'd like to reinstate that policy like to reaffirm Labour's commitment to that policy.

"Ireland needs to be an age friendly society free from callous budgetary attacks. Older people should be given the services and support they deserve after years of service to this country. But they should not be seen as a burden, they are a massive resource to Irish society. Many seniors are anxious to continue to contribute their time, energy, skills and wisdom to their community and to their country. Labour will issue a call to service to all people over 65 years who wish to give of their time and skills, individually or in groups, and will establish a national database of older volunteers which can be accessed by voluntary organisations and NGOs.

"Older people are a huge social asset to Ireland. Their skills and wisdom are a magnificent national resource that needs to be nurtured. Labour wants to see an end to ageism and the beginning of a new age friendly society where older people are given the services they deserve and the opportunities neccessary to contribute to getting Ireland back on track."