The Alliance Party of Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland's cross-community party

 David Ford

McCarthy hails free for travel for over-60s but questions delay

11.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 23rd Jun 2008

Portrait-yellow: MCCARTHY Kieran (photography: Allan Leonard)

Alliance Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy MLA

Alliance Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy MLA has welcomed Minister Conor Murphy's announcement of free travel for people over the age of 60, but demanded to know why the scheme cannot start until October. Mr McCarthy raised this issue himself in the Assembly in a debate he proposed last September.

Kieran McCarthy MLA stated: "This is positive news for older people, but I have to ask the Minister why he cannot implement the scheme earlier than October? With all the increases in the cost of living, people need this initiative urgently.

"As with other decisions taken by the Executive, this one comes with a long delay. This scheme is long overdue. I have been campaigning for such measures for a long time.

"I would encourage older people to complete an application form for the pass now, so that they can access free transport when the scheme starts in October."

ENDS

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