asked the Minister for Health if he will consider making free electricity and TV available to physically handicapped people who are living alone.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Electricity and TV.
27.
I have received representations regarding the provision of free TV licences and electricity for such persons but I have not yet completed my consideration of the matter. Consequently, I am not in a position to give a definite reply to the Deputy's question at this stage. I will, however, consider the matter as sympathetically as possible as I have a special interest in the welfare of the physically handicapped—the increases in the rates of disabled persons maintenance allowance as from 1st July, 1973, and the relaxation of the basis of assessment of eligibility for such allowances are practical examples of my concern.
Could the Minister give some idea as to when he hopes to make his decision? I understand he has had these representations quite some time.
Yes.
Could he give me some idea when he hopes to make a decision?
I am afraid I cannot.
Has the Minister any estimate as to the cost of this scheme?
That seems to be a separate question.
I suppose it would be fairly easily costed if one were to have regard to the number of people for whom records are kept and who are in receipt of disabled persons maintenance allowance. I do not know whether that would be the correct figure. It would be confined to those people who were receiving the allowance. However, I must confess I have not the figures of cost for the provision of TV licences or electricity.
Can the Minister say how many there are in this category?
No, I have not got that information here.
Is the Minister aware that the number of such people living alone is not substantial?
I am aware of that. I am concerned for them and showed my concern in a practical way.