asked the Minister for Defence if he will now extend the free TV licence and free electricity schemes to holders of 1916 and 1917 to 1921 service medals.

Holders of (a) the 1916 medal, (b) the service (1917-1921) medal with bar, (c) the service (1917-1921) medal without bar, are eligible to apply under the free electricity allowance and free television licence scheme administered by my Department.

In order to qualify for these concessions the veteran must be a registered consumer of electricity and must reside alone or with certain specified classes of persons.

Has any provision been made to extend this service to medal holders living in the Six Counties?

It is extremely doubtful if the scheme could be administered outside the State.