asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs the number of applications received from old age pensioners for free telephones from 1977 to date, the number installed since 1977 and the number of applications pending.

(Dublin South-Central): The numbers are 6,700, 1,700 and 5,000.

Will the Minister state if there will be any revision of the terms governing the scheme for old age pensioners? Is he aware that a number of pensioners who would like to have a telephone installed are not in a position financially to pay for its installation? Is there any revision in connection with this matter?

(Dublin South-Central): That would be a matter for the Department of Social Welfare. If they send the applications to us and are prepared to pay the cost, we will install the telephones. It is entirely a matter for them.

I am suggesting to the Minister that many more pensioners would avail of the scheme if the cost of installation was looked after. As a matter of priority, will he discuss this matter with his counterpart in the Department of Social Welfare?

(Dublin South-Central): It is not really a matter for the Department of Posts and Telegraphs but for the Department of Social Welfare.

25.