asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will refrain from applying the recent 25 per cent increase in telephone charges to non-contributory old age pensioners and others living on their own who can claim on the grounds of hardship in the same manner as certain categories already qualifying for free electricity and TV licences; the approximate cost of implementing such a scheme; and, if this is not possible, if he will arrange to have a survey conducted without delay to establish the cost of implementing the scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telephone Charges.
16.
Telephone connection, rental and call charges are standard and apply equally to all subscribers without exception. Reduced rates, granted in favour of any individual or group of subscribers, would be a social benefit, similar to the schemes for free electricity and free television licences. The cost of these is borne by the Department of Social Welfare and the granting of a reduction in telephone charges on similar lines would be a matter for consideration by the Minister for Social Welfare in the first instance.
Last week in reply to a question I put to the Minister he told the House there were 24,000 disconnections last year. Does he know how many of those disconnections involved old people? Is he aware that the only link with the outside world that disabled and old people have is the telephone? Has he made any suggestions to the Minister for Social Welfare regarding the desirability of implementing a scheme such as I have suggested?
I have discussed this matter generally with the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Welfare but, as the Deputy will appreciate, I cannot answer for that Department. They are aware of the problem to which the Deputy refers. They are aware of his question and will be aware of any further questions he may put today. The Deputy will appreciate it is primarily a matter for the Department of Social Welfare. In relation to his original inquiry, I do not think any particular survey of costs is necessary. My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Social Welfare, should be able to bring to light any data required to cost anything of this kind that might be undertaken but whether it is the best use of scarce resources to alleviate hardship is a question for the Department of Social Welfare. I understand the significance and importance of the Deputy's question.
I appreciate that the Minister has given whatever information he can. May I take it from his reply that the Department of Social Welfare are examining this problem with a view possibly to introducing some scheme?
Any further questions the Deputy may have in this area would best be addressed to them.