asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to reports (details supplied) that some old age pensioners have been deprived of free electricity because the ESB introduced a new system of meter control last year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Electricity Scheme.
99.
My attention has been drawn to the Press report to which the Deputy refers, and I can assure him that the new system of meter control which the ESB introduced in 1974 had not the effect of depriving any pensioner of the free electricity allowance. I should perhaps explain that only slotmeter holders were affected by the change in the system of meter control. Only persons who are registered as individual electricity consumers on the domestic two-part tariff can qualify, or could have qualified, for the free electricity allowance.