asked the Minister for Social Welfare why marriage certificates are required to be submitted by women over the age of 70 when applying for free travel facilities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Travel Scheme.
12.
Marriage certificates are required in the case of married women and widows for identification purposes, because the married name as shown on the application form would not normally correspond with the maiden name shown on the birth or baptismal certificate.
Is there any other form of verification that would be acceptable to the Department? The Minister must be aware that many women over 70 years of age who move around the country have not easy access to their marriage certificates. Could some alternative arrangement be made or must the women send their marriage rings to the Department? The system would seem to be excessively bureaucratic.
Identification is essential in the case of persons who change their name. This is as simple a method as any other.
May I ask——
The Deputy has already asked a supplementary question. There are 105 questions to be dealt with.
If, for the sake of argument, a person sent in a birth certificate and driving licence, would that suffice as identification?
If people are unable to get their marriage certificates, we do not refuse them. I will have a look at it. I have not had any complaints so far.