HL Deb 12 June 2003 vol 649 c54WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ensure that, if Translink travel passes for former employees in Northern Ireland are replaced by the Senior Smartpass, the same conditions will apply for former employees. [HL2977]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

Translink has advised that as from 1 April 2003 it has withdrawn travel passes from all retired employees over 65. Such retired employees are eligible for Department for Regional Development Senior Smartpasses which are available to all Northern Ireland residents aged 65 and over and provide free bus and rail travel throughout Northern Ireland.

The Government have no plans to intervene in personnel affairs between Translink and its retired employees on this matter.