asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will arrange for dependant wives, under 70 years of age, of old age pensioners to be given the free travel facilities on the CIE services.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Travel for Wives of Pensioners.
47.
The free travel scheme is designed to cater for pensioners aged 70 years and over, the only exceptions being blind pensioners. I do not, at present, contemplate extending it to cover any other group of persons under 70 years of age. I am, however, having the position of adult dependants aged 70 or over of old age (contributory) pensioners examined with a view to including them in the free travel scheme.
Does this mean the type of pensioner to whom I refer in the question? Will his wife be taken into consideration?
Not if she is under 70 years of age.
Surely this indicates that something should be done?
The scheme is for old age pensioners. We found that a broad category was ruled out, that is, the contributory pensioner's wife——
People have made inquiries in the Minister's Department about this matter and have been told that, in the circumstances, this will be allowed. Yet, when they have pressed further for a description of the circumstances, they cannot be told. The whole thing is extremely vague. Surely it will not cost the State a lot to make this concession to the type of person to whom this refers?
If particulars of a case arrives on the Minister's desk of a pensioner who is so infirm that it is not safe for him to travel without being accompanied by his wife, who is under 70 years of age, will such a person not qualify?
Under the terms of the scheme as it is, such a person would not qualify.
Will the Minister have another look at it?
It is possible that there may be a number of anomalies. We shall look at all of them.
(Cavan): We shall all be dead by the time a decision is arrived at.