asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in light of the provision of a subsidised electricity supply to pensioners, she will now consider the provision of cheap natural gas to those pensioners who depend on natural gas for cooking and heating and who are suffering financial hardship because of their dependence on natural gas.
Written Answers. - Cheap Natural Gas for Pensioners.
132.
The Department administers a scheme of free electricity for eligible pensioners who are connected to an electricity supply. As an alternative for eligible pensioners who are not so connected, the Department operates a scheme to assist with the purchase of bottled gas. A scheme on the lines advocated by the Deputy would have significant cost implications and there are no proposals for the introduction of such a scheme.