asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will extend the free telephone rental service to husbands and wives where both are old age pensioners living on their own at home.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Telephone Rental Allowance.
42.
Any question of extending the free telephone rental allowance scheme would be a matter for consideration in the context of the annual budget.
43.
(Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Social Welfare if it is a fact that an old age pensioner residing with his or her spouse does not qualify for the subsidised telephone rental scheme; and, if so, if he will amend the scheme immediately and apply it to married couples.
The Deputy's assumption is correct; the free telephone rental allowance scheme is provided only to persons who are already in receipt of a living-alone allowance. Any question of amending this scheme would be a matter for consideration in the context of the annual budget.
44.
(Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Social Welfare if applicants for telephones under the scheme introduced by his Department must pay substantial sums to have telephones installed before they can avail of the scheme; and, if so, if he will have the telephones installed free of charge.
The free telephone rental allowance scheme provides for the payment by my Department of telephone rental including where appropriate, advance rental charges in respect of subscribers who qualify under the scheme. The installation charge is not covered under the scheme.
Suggestions for changes in the scheme are matters which are considered in the context of the annual budget.