asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the fact that persons drawing invalidity pensions from the Department of Social Welfare are entitled to free electricity, he will take steps to ensure that similar benefit be provided for Irish residents on United Kingdom invalidity pensions.

The extension of the free electricity allowance scheme from 1 April 1977 covered invalidity pensioners under the Social Welfare Acts but not British invalidity pensioners. Suggestions for changes in the scheme are matters which are considered in the context of the annual budget.