"The free travel scheme
should not be reviewed," Cllr Kelly said, "The scheme is an integral
part of the lives of many of the most vulnerable citizens in this state. Many pensioners and people with disabilities
rely upon it to reach hospital appointments and carry out their weekly errands. It is nonsensical that a government 'working
group' is reviewing the value of a scheme that it priceless to those who need
it most."
"Minister Burton has been
incredibly reckless in her handling of this situation. She has said that pensioners should not be
'enormously worried' about changes to the scheme, yet she has refused to rule
out cuts to it. Are the Minister and her
Labour party so out of touch with ordinary citizens that they can't see the
fear and panic that they are causing to the dependent people who rely upon this
scheme?"
"This is yet another example
of the government moving in the same direction as their fianna fail
predecessors by cutting the most needy instead of making those who can afford
to pay more do so. How can this government
rule out a wealth tax on high earners or a cap on politicians wages when they
are happy to consider cutting things like the free travel scheme for
pensioners, the children's allowance and rent supplement?"
"I would call upon local
Labour party reps to petition Minister Burton to rule out making any adverse
changes to the free travel allowance scheme, and to make a speedy public
announcement on her intentions towards the scheme. People are worried and they should be told
now, one way or the other, what the Minister plans to do with this crucial
scheme on budget day."
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