Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 24 Oct 2002

Vol. 556 No. 2

Written Answers. - Home Insurance Costs.

John Deasy

Ceist:

36 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to introduce a scheme of assistance to old age pensioners and other long-term recipients of social welfare to help them with the rising cost of home insurance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19519/02]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mary Coughlan)

In addition to their pension entitlements, old age pensioners qualify for what are known as the free schemes, including the free television licence, the electricity-gas allowance and the telephone allowance. These schemes are generally available to people living in the State, aged 66 years or over, who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who fulfil a means test. They are also available to carers and people with disabilities under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments.

There are no plans at present to expand the range of services covered by the schemes to include the cost of home insurance. A review of the free schemes in 2000 suggested that the schemes as currently constituted provide a basic package of necessary household benefits for the targeted group and that no further goods and services should be covered by the schemes.

However, the Government is aware of the ongoing issues in relation to insurance costs. These are being addressed by my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.