SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 28th February (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Canary Islands Parliament has given its support to a proposal from the Agrupación Herreña Independiente (AHI) to extend the residential discount for regular passenger transport to minor children of divorced parents residing on the Peninsula. The proposal was approved today, Wednesday, with the Socialist Group abstaining from the vote.
Deputy Raúl Acosta argued for the proposal highlighting the significant social benefits it would bring compared to the relatively small economic impact of its implementation. Acosta pointed out that during Holy Week, a round-trip ticket from Madrid to Tenerife costs 600 euros, a cost that increases for minors whose parents live on a non-capital island as they are not currently eligible for the discount.
According to Acosta, the financial burden on the average citizen of the islands is considerable, but the emotional impact on a child of losing the connection with one of their parents, their grandparents, or their homeland is even greater.
The current legislation and decrees governing the subsidies for residents’ transportation have not addressed this specific situation affecting numerous minors. Having their official residence in the Peninsula currently disqualifies these children as beneficiaries, creating challenges in maintaining relationships with their non-custodial parents.
Acosta emphasised that it is the responsibility of the Public Administration to implement policies that support the holistic development of minors, as mandated by Organic Law 8/2015, amending the child and adolescent protection system.
