92001E2326

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2326/01

by Pat Gallagher (UEN) to the Commission

(31 July 2001)

Subject: Mutual recognition of free travel for the elderly schemes

Ireland operates a scheme where persons of 66 years and above are entitled to travel free on all public transport in the country. The scheme is funded by the Irish Social Welfare Department.

Has the Commission studied this scheme and compared it with similar provisions existing in other Member States? Would the Commission support the introduction of mutual recognition of such schemes, so as to allow greater cross-border movement of the elderly by granting them equivalent rights outside the Member State where they have their entitlement? Would the Commission support the introduction of a common EU travel pass for pensioners, similar to the model of the EU driving licence, which would be recognised in all Member States and allow pensioners free access to public transport across 15 Member States?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(22 October 2001)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answers to written questions E-2406/99 by John McCartin(1) and E-1054/99 by Angela Billingham(2), and to the replies to oral questions H-1148/98 by Nial Andrews during question time at Parliament's December 1998 part-session(3) and H-1023/98 by Robert Evans during question time at Parliament's November 1998 part-session(4).

(1) OJ C 225 E, 8.8.2000.

(2) OJ C 348, 3.12.1999.

(3) Written reply, 15.12.1998.

(4) Oral reply, 17.11.1998.