asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that demands for special service charges for extension of electricity supply to their homes, have precluded from the benefits provided in the recent Budget a number of old age pensioners who would otherwise qualify; and, if so, if he will take steps to ensure that these charges are waived in such cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - ESB Special Charges.
2.
The matter of special service charges will be taken into account in the details of the scheme for free electricity for old age pensioners which are at present under consideration by the Minister for Social Welfare.
I should make it clear that there is no question of the Electricity Supply Board waiving such charges; the matter at issue is the extent to which the Minister for Finance may authorise the re-imbursement of such charges to the ESB by the Minister for Social Welfare.