asked the Minister for Local Government when the tenant of 83 Hollyfield Buildings, Dublin, who is an old age pensioner, will be provided with electricity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electricity Supply for Dublin Tenant.
71.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his Question No. 31 on 18th June, 1968, in this matter.
I understand from the Dublin Corporation that electric installations are made free of charge in necessitous cases; that the tenant referred to refused to give particulars of his income to the Corporation's welfare officer in the same way as the other tenants; and that the matter will be reconsidered in the event of the tenant being willing to supply these particulars.
Is the Minister aware of the fact that the tenant in this case is a lady, not a gentleman, and that she was never asked to provide information about her means because of the fact that Dublin Corporation are aware of her means, which is solely an old age pension? In the light of that will he now ask that the Corporation provide electricity in this flat for this old age pensioner who is endeavouring to stay alive and is providing lighting by means of candles? She is suffering a grave hazard because of this.
There must be some confusion. My information is that it is a man who is concerned and that the information referred to has been refused. There is some confusion about the actual case. If the Deputy will give me the name of the person concerned I shall have the matter looked into.
I would appreciate very much the Minister looking into it. The Corporation will be able to give additional information about the lady in this flat.
May we assume—who-ever this man or woman may be—that she will not be asked to pay £38 before she gets electricity unless she can produce an electric cooker?