asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider making provision for separate free travel facilities for the wives of veterans of the War of Independence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Travel Facilities.
4.
The free travel scheme for veterans is on the same lines as that for old age pensioners. The Minister for Finance, usually in the context of the annual budget, reviews as sympathetically as possible the facilities available under these schemes and decides whether any extensions can be granted.
Is the Minister aware he gave the same reply before the last budget and that no concessions were made? Will he approach the Minister for Finance before the next budget to get this concession?
It is entirely a matter for the Minister for Finance. The veterans stand with the other old age pensioners.
Is the Minister in good standing with the Minister for Finance?
Does the Minister not agree that the Old IRA are in a special category in the sense that they are not a continuing liability in the same way as old age pensioners are?
There is still a very large number of them. There are 11,297 veterans, 4,023 spouses of veterans and 3,974 widows holding travel cards. The annual cost of the free travel scheme is estimated at £278,000 and, if the increase sought by CIE is granted, it will rise to £333,000; it is a matter entirely within the confines of the Department of Finance.
Has the Minister any intention of making representations to the Minister for Finance to implement this?
I am in constant consultation with the Minister for Finance.
I know the Minister is in constant consultation, but is he in constant consultation on this particular matter?
The matter will certainly be discussed.