asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider granting free travel to the wives of Old IRA veterans, independent of their husbands.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Travel Facilities.
24.
The free travel scheme administered by my Department for veterans of the War of Independence and their spouses follows the conditions of the schemes administered by the Department of Social Welfare for old age pensioners and other persons aged over 67 years and their spouses. Any extension of the scheme would fall to be considered in the context of the annual budget.
I realise that ultimately the decision lies with the Minister for Finance but, having regard to the fact that allowances are granted to the wives when they travel with their husbands and that when the husbands die the wives are given free travel, would the Minister not consider allowing them the facility of travelling independently of their husbands? Frequently hardship arises where the husbands are unable to travel because of infirmity.
In the last two years I have made representations in that regard and I shall continue to do so. I am in favour of that proposal.