Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Oct 1999

Vol. 508 No. 4

Written Answers. - Security of the Elderly.

Ulick Burke

Question:

205 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs if he will extend the free scheme to the provision of chimney fire extinguishers to old age pensioners and elderly people living alone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19226/99]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The free schemes, which include the free electricity allowance, free telephone rental allowance, free television licence and free travel, were originally designed to benefit mainly older people in receipt of a social welfare type payment who were living alone and required additional assistance.

The range of the free schemes currently avail able does not include assistance towards the cost of fire extinguishers and there are no plans to introduce such a scheme.