asked the Minister for Social Welfare if any transport arrangements are being made to facilitate old age pensioners in rural areas where State enterprise does not reach and who are unable at present to avail of the free transport service; and, if so, if he will give details.

As I indicated in reply to previous questions the provision of free transport facilities for old age pensioners on the bus services of private operators in rural areas has been under consideration but a suitable scheme to cover the many concerns involved has proved more difficult to devise than anticipated. Considerable progress has been made in the matter, however, and while it is not possible to give details at this stage I hope to be in a position to make an announcement before long.

Surely the Minister will agree that this matter should have been dealt with long before now? Is the Minister not aware of the difficulty of people in peninsular areas, such as in the Berehaven peninsula. Sheep's Head peninsula and Mizen Head who have not got the public transport service——

What about north Galway?

Galway also. Surely the Minister will agree that it is quite unfair to deny pensioners in those areas the transport facilities that are provided, taking into account that they have to make their contribution towards keeping CIE on the road——

We cannot have a debate on this question.

Will the Minister state that we can expect a definite reply within the next month or so to the question tabled by Deputy Hussey?

That is what I said.