The extension of free travel to older Irish emigrants visiting the Republic has not been ruled out by Minister for Social and Family Affairs Séamus Brennan.
He said the legal advice available to him was that the proposal would be contrary to the EU treaty, which prohibited discrimination on the grounds of nationality. "However, I am continuing to examine all aspects of a possible scheme as recognition of the contribution of emigrants to the growth of this country."
He said that significant improvements had been made to the free schemes, including the free travel scheme, in recent budgets. "I will continue to review the operation of these schemes with a view to identifying scope for further improvements as resources permit."
Independent Mayo TD Dr Jerry Cowley said the Minister should try harder to ensure free travel for emigrants when they came to Ireland, particularly on holidays.
