asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he will arrange the issue of television licences to the deaf free of charge.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free TV Licences for Deaf.
121.
I have no statutory authority to issue television licences free of charge.
The question of introducing a scheme for the deaf similar to that applicable to certain pensioners would be a matter for the Minister for Social Welfare. My Department would be happy to co-operate in any such scheme which might be approved by the Minister for Social Welfare, and I am in touch with the Department of Social Welfare in the matter.
When the Minister says that he is in touch with his colleague, the Minister for Social Welfare, can I take it that he is in touch sympathetically with him with a view to having this matter favourably considered?
Yes. The approach would be sympathetic. I know that my colleague, the Minister for Social Welfare, would if he can, wish to do something in such an area but as we know there are many pressures on that Department.
Will the Minister bear in mind that when I, as the father of these particular concepts, initiated them in the first instance there were very considerable difficulties put forward by many people from different quarters and we succeeded in overcoming them. I am sure the Minister will keep that before him as a headline.
I will study the record of the Deputy with every respect.