asked the Minister for Social Welfare why a free telephone rental allowance has not been granted to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.

This allowance is granted to pensioners who are either living alone or with other persons who are permanently incapacitated. The applicant in this case is living with his wife and he has been requested on a number of occasions to furnish a comprehensive medical certificate in respect of his wife which should show the degree of her incapacity and immobility. Despite the repeated requests such a certificate so far has not been received. When the certificate is received the application will be considered and the person in question will be notified of the outcome.

5.