asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will give consideration to the provision of a subsidy for people who are deaf in relation to the substantial payment of television licences; if he agrees that it seems unfair that people who cannot hear television are required to pay the full licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Free Television Licence Scheme.
144.
The free television licence scheme administered by the Department is confined to persons in receipt of certain old age or invalidity type payments. Deaf persons in receipt of one of these payments may therefore qualify for the allowance.
Extension of the scheme to cover all deaf people would constitute a significant departure from the present qualifying conditions which would have far reaching and costly implications. There are no proposals for such a extension to the scheme.