Free travel for Irish citizens abroad
Senator O’Sullivan asks that Irish citizens, including religious workers overseas, be allowed to qualify for free travel when temporarily returning home.
One of the advantages of getting old is that one qualifies for free travel. I look forward to collecting my free travel pass next November. Free travel is available to everyone and a legacy of Charlie Haughey who was far-thinking on the issue. It has been brought to my attention that people who carry an Irish passport but do not reside in the country permanently do not qualify for the free travel pass. In particular, I have in mind members of religious orders who are working in the Third World, including Africa. When they return home on holiday, usually just once every three years, and try to catch up with family and go on retreat to their convents or chapels, they do not qualify. Of all people who should get some clap on the back from the State, it is these unsung heroes who do tremendous work abroad. When they return to Ireland, they should be considered for inclusion in the free travel scheme. Any emigrant over the age of 66 years who returns to the country for a break should be able to avail of this bounty. It is not means tested, with people entitled to it who are well able to afford stretch limousines if they want to. Why not extend the free travel scheme to specific persons on their return to the country? I ask the Leader to raise the matter with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.