Vol. 413 No. 9
178 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will undertake a review of the social welfare position of widows particularly in relation to the various free benefits that apply to them, and give consideration to the fact that these benefits are denied to widows under 66 years of age even though they were eligible for the same benefits while their spouse was alive; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The free schemes operated by my Department, which comprise free travel, free electricity allowance, free telephone rental and free television licence, will cost the Exchequer some £70 million this year. The extension of those schemes to additional categories of persons not eligible at present for a variety of reasons would have significant cost implications and could only be considered in a budgetary context.
In relation to social welfare provision for widows generally, I would like to say that the position of all social welfare recipients, including widows, is kept under regular review. Such ongoing review is particularly relevant at the present time in the context of preparations for next year's budget.
