asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state in respect of the latest date (a) before the budget and (b) since 1st July 1973 for which figures are available the number of people in the State entitled to free transport under all schemes administered by his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Transport Schemes.
45.
The number of persons entitled to free transport under the scheme administered by my Department was 222,000 on 30th April, 1973, and 242,000 on 30th September, 1973. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, a spouse under pensionable age is also entitled to free transport when accompanying the eligible person. No figures are available in my Department of the number of spouses who are thus entitled to free transport.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say if all private bus services covering rural areas now accept the Department's scheme and are they being paid regularly and often and enough?
That would appear to be a separate question. Numbers are involved in this question and not the means of transportation. If the Deputy cares to put down a question, I will get the necessary information for him.