asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will arrange for free TV licences to be issued in respect of all hospitals for the aged, in view of the fact that in many cases the licence fee has to be paid by members of the staff; and if free licences will in future be granted to hospitals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital TV Licences.
187.
The Broadcasting (Receiving Licences) Regulations, 1961 to 1971, do not provide for the issue of free television licences. At present, television licences are issued free of cost to certain pensioners under conditions laid down in scheme administered by the Departments of Social Welfare and Defence. The fees for licences issued under those schemes are borne by the Departments mentioned. The question of introducing a scheme to provide on a similar basis for hospitals for the aged would be a matter for the Minister for Health.