asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that some old age pensioners, and other pensioners, living alone are unable to bear the cost of having electricity installed in their homes; and if he will have electricity installed free of charge for such people.
Written Answers. - Free Electricity Scheme
226.
I am aware that there are a number of persons who are not in a position to have an electricity supply installed in their homes. There is however a free bottled gas refills allowance scheme operated by my Department for persons who would qualify for a free electricity allowance but for the fact that their homes are not connected to an electricity supply.
The cost of having an electricity supply installed depends on the location and size of the dwelling. In urban areas connection is normally free of charge but the cost of wiring varies. The cost of connection in a rural area can be free of charge occasionally but where costs arise these can vary from about £400 or so up to very large sums indeed. The cost of installing one light and one socket, the minimum requirement, is approximately £70.
227.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if a free electricity allowance will be granted to a person (details supplied) in Dublin.
There is no trace in my Department of a recent application for a free electricity allowance from the person referred to in the question. From the records of my Department she does not appear to be in receipt of one of the pensions which would qualify her for a free electricity allowance.
If at any time she feels that the qualifying conditions of the scheme are satisfied in her case it will be open to her to apply for an allowance.