Telephone installation charges
The Deputy asks whether installation costs for scheme applicants can be waived. The Minister says the allowance covers rental and applicable advance rental charges, not installation, and changes would be considered in the annual budget.
(Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Social Welfare if applicants for telephones under the scheme introduced by his Department must pay substantial sums to have telephones installed before they can avail of the scheme; and, if so, if he will have the telephones installed free of charge.
Comment on this
The free telephone rental allowance scheme provides for the payment by my Department of telephone rental including where appropriate, advance rental charges in respect of subscribers who qualify under the scheme. The installation charge is not covered under the scheme.
Suggestions for changes in the scheme are matters which are considered in the context of the annual budget.