asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will include persons in receipt of a disability benefit pension from the Department of Defence in the categories of persons who are entitled to the free electricity allowance.

My understanding of the situation is that many recipients of disability pension from the Department of Defence are gainfully employed and cannot therefore be compared to recipients of invalidity pension from my Department or disabled persons maintenance allowance from a health board. I should also mention that a number of the pensioners referred to by the Deputy already qualify for a free electricity allowance and a free television licence under a scheme administered by the Department of Defence for veterans of the War of Independence.

I do not therefore propose to extend the scheme in the manner suggested by the Deputy. However, any person who finds that his means are insufficient to meet his needs may apply for assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.