asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that many old age pensioners in rural areas live a long way from a bus route; and if he is prepared to grant facilities to such people to get as far as the bus route, in order to avail of the recently announced free bus travel.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transport of Old Age Pensioners.
45.
While arrangements for the introduction of travel facilities for old age pensioners indicated in the Budget Statement have not yet been completed, it would hardly seem practicable to cater for individual pensioners on the lines suggested by the Deputy. In this regard I would point out for the information of the Deputy that, under arrangements operated by my Department, a person unable to travel to draw his old age pension may be permitted to appoint an agent to collect it on his behalf.
I should like to suggest—this is what I had at the back of my mind—that the Minister have a chat with the Minister for Education.
That is quite irregular.
(Interruptions.)
I know it is a bit much to ask but I should like to ask the Minister for Social Welfare to have a chat with the Minister for Education.
That is not a matter for the House. The Deputy will resume his seat.
Would you allow me to ask a question? I am not quite clear from the answer the Minister gave whether or not he meant that free bus travel is available only to those collecting old age pensions. The Minister made a reference to a person delegating somebody to collect his pension. Is the Minister suggesting that free travel is available only to those collecting the pensions?
I am suggesting no such thing.
Will the Minister say why he introduced that at the tailend of his answer?
I have already stated that a person unable to collect the pension himself may appoint another person to collect it.
Question No. 46.
Full facilities will be given to those old age pensioners.
It does not say any such thing.
That is exactly what is implied.
If you send out a hackney car, that is all right.
Bring out the Army and the jackboot.