asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will make provision to extend the same free travel facilities on public transport as are enjoyed by other pensioners to retired members of the Garda of and above the age of 70 years, to their wives, and to widows of gardaí irrespective of age.

The scheme of free travel, for which my Department is responsible, is for persons in receipt of old age and similar social welfare pensions. I do not propose to alter this position. Retired members of the Garda Síochána and widows of gardaí receive pension under a scheme administered by the Department of Justice. Some of them also qualify for old age pension from my Department and are thus eligible for free travel.