asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will consider introducing a scheme to subsidise the purchase of bottled gas by old age pensioners who, because of the location of their dwellinghouses, are unable to obtain electricity supply and cannot avail of the free electricity scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bottled Gas Purchases.
51.
Under a scheme operated by my Department grants of up to £35 for the purchase of bottled gas equipment are already available to all householders including old age pensioners who because of the location of their dwellings cannot obtain connection to the electricity supply at normal rates. That scheme was introduced as a supplement to the subsidised ESB rural electrification scheme.
If the Deputy has in mind the introduction of a scheme whereby old age pensioners would get free bottled gas, consideration of such a proposal would be a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social Welfare.