Vol. 465 No. 7
97 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he intends to improve or extend the benefits to recipients of widows pension, other than the 3 per cent payment increase due in June 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10476/96]
98 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he intends to improve or extend the benefits to recipients of old age pensions, other than the payment increase due in June 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10477/96]
99 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he intends to improve or extend the benefits to recipients of invalidity pensions, other than the payment increase due in June 1996. [10478/96]
100 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he intends to improve or extend the benefits to recipients of unemployment benefit, other than the payment increase due in June 1996. [10479/96]
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 97, 98, 99 and 100 together.
As the Deputy is aware, this year's budget provided for a general increase of 3 per cent in all weekly social welfare payments effective from next month. This means an increase of £2 a week in all personal rates and £1 a week in adult dependant allowances.
In addition to weekly cash payments, a range of additional benefits is available to recipients of certain social welfare payments who also satisfy the relevant conditions. The additional benefits include free travel, which is available to everybody in the State aged 66 years or over, free electricity allowance, free natural gas allowance, free telephone rental, free television licence, fuel allowance, assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, rent allowance, butter vouchers and the Christmas bonus payment. The question of improving or enhancing the range of additional benefits available, including extending them to recipients not covered at present, are matters for consideration in a budgetary context and in the light of available resources.
101 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he intends to improve or extend the benefits of free travel to recipients of social welfare in 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10480/96]
The free travel scheme administered by my Department is available to all persons in the State aged 66 years or over and to certain disabled people under the age of 66. The scheme has been improved and expanded progressively in recent years. Last year, a major extension took place with the introduction of free cross-Border travel allowing passholders from the Republic of Ireland to travel free to Northern Ireland and vice versa. In addition, the free travel companion pass was further extended to passholders being cared for by a recipient of the carer's allowance. From July next, the free travel companion pass is being extended to blind and visually impaired children. This measure will be of particular benefit to children attending special schools and who have to commute on a daily or weekly basis by allowing them have a person of their choice travel free with them on their journey.
Any proposals for the future expansion of the free travel scheme would have to be considered in a budgetary context and in the light of available resources.
