asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will conduct a special investigation into the arrangements which could be made to assist pensioners residing in remote peninsular and similar areas which are not provided with public transport in order to ensure that they will be provided with free transport on private transport systems operating in these areas; if he will conduct an inquiry into the hardship suffered by elderly persons living in such areas without electricity; and if he will present detailed proposals to deal with the conditions of old and disabled persons living in remote rural areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Transport for Pensioners.
39.
The free travel scheme administered by my Department provides free travel for pensioners on the public transport system operated by CIE, the Londonderry and Lough Swilly Railway Co. and the Co. Donegal Railways (Joint Committee). I am having the possibility examined of extending the free travel scheme to the bus services of private operators where they are provided.
While my Department operates a scheme of free electricity allowances for pensioners, the question of the supply of electricity is a matter for the Minister for Transport and Power and the Electricity Supply Board, who are fully alive to the problems of rural electrification.
My Department's income maintenance services for the aged and the disabled operate on a similar basis in all areas including remote rural areas. Other services for the disabled are a matter for the Minister for Health and the local health authorities. The question of what further services for the aged are required in all areas will be considered in the light of the forthcoming report of the inter-departmental committee which has been examining the problems of the care of the aged.
May I assume that private bus services will now be included in the transport scheme, such as services operating in peninsular areas? If so, I am satisfied, and I hope the Minister will make the regulations soon.
The scheme would apply to privately-operated companies with scheduled services. This would not mean casual hired services.
In areas where CIE is not operating at present and where there are local arrangements, such as a minibus, do they come within the terms of this? Could it be extended in that way to isolated districts? I am sure the Minister is aware that the number of such districts is small and possibly when the Department is reviewing the position, they will look into that possibility where that position arises?
A private company with scheduled services running at fixed times comes within the ambit of the scheme.
That would apply to the Berehaven Peninsula.