Free travel for older people
Senator White opposes possible cuts to the free travel pass and other supports for older people and people with disabilities; colleagues dispute whether withdrawal is being considered.
Exactly. She should not forget about us.
A Russian television network highlighted the speech by Pope Francis in the Santa Maria basilica on 15 June in which he criticised Europe for being tired because of the high level of unemployment and discarding the elderly. This Government has caused huge stress and anxiety to older people in our society. Older people have suffered a raft of cuts under this Government. Over the past three years, the telephone allowance has been abolished, the household benefits package has been slashed and the fuel allowance has been cut by six weeks. I can assure Members of the Government parties that Fianna Fáil will resist any tampering with the free travel pass introduced by Mr. Haughey, as Minister for Finance, in outstanding legislation in 1967. Ministers are supposed to be innovative and creative. That is what they are there for and not to let the bureaucrats tell them what to do. We will fight this on the doorsteps and on the plinth.
Comment on this
Fianna Fáil will fight cuts to the free travel pass for older people and people with disabilities. Do not dare to touch it.
Comment on this
The Pope also said that the treatment of older people and people with disabilities reflects the quality of the society. That was on Russian television.
Comment on this
I would hope that the Pope would be a bit more infallible than Fianna Fáil but my clear understanding is that absolutely no consideration is being given to the removal of the free travel pass.
Comment on this
There is a review underway. Stop the Government review.