asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the numbers of old age pensioners who have applied for free (a) radio only and (b) combined radio and television licences; the numbers in each category who have been refused; and the reasons for refusal in each category, giving separately the numbers refused for each such reason.

For the first seven months of operation of the scheme the figures sought were (a) 7,730 and (b) 11,600. The numbers refused were (a) 500 and (b) 755. The reason for refusal in every case was that the applicant did not satisfy the conditions of eligibility laid down by the Minister for Social Welfare. The work of issuing the licences is performed by my Department on an agency basis. Cases which do not comply with the conditions are sent to the Department of Social Welfare and applicants are advised of their right of appeal to that Department.

The Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries is in the Seanad. He is hoping to answer his questions himself and he asked me to ask if the House would agree to postpone them for 15 minutes, or so.

Questions Nos. 15 to 21, inclusive, postponed until later.

By leave of the House, most warmly given to a courteous request.

As requested by the Minister himself.