asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will introduce a scheme under which the recent 25 per cent increase in telephone charges will not be applied to non-contributory old age pensioners and others living on their own who can claim on the grounds of hardship in the same manner as certain categories already qualifying for free electricity and TV licences; and the approximate cost of implementing such a scheme.

The introduction of a scheme of the kind proposed by the Deputy is not contemplated. In the absence of statistics of the numbers involved, it is not possible to estimate the cost of implementing such a scheme.

Is the Minister aware that the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs in the House last week or the week before stated that he had had consultations with the Minister's Department about this? Has the Minister any information in relation to these consultations?

It has been considered and it has been decided not to provide this special form of assistance.

Would the Minister consider conducting a survey to find out how many people living on their own or disabled people rely on the telephones as their only link with the outside world?

I do not propose to carry out such a survey. I would remind the Deputy that old age pensioners living on their own will get an extra £1 a week as a result of the budget proposals over and above the ordinary increase that is given.

Question No. 11, please.