andMr. Murphy asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will extend the free bus travel facility to those in receipt of widows' pensions, infectious diseases allowances and disablement allowances.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bus Travel Facilities.
33.
The answer is in the negative.
Would the Minister reconsider the position in view of the circumstances of such people, widows and recipients of public assistance from local authorities? Surely such people should get the same treatment in regard to travel facilities as those who are benefiting at present?
Everyone would like to give free travel facilities to all social welfare recipients, but for some time to come money available is likely to be utilised in increasing rates of payment rather than extending this type of service.
Am I to understand the Minister is not prepared to reconsider that?
The Minister will, with the co-operation of his colleague, the Minister for Finance, extract the maximum amount possible from the community for social welfare services and distribute it among all the social welfare services.