asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will increase the number of free electricity units for applicants under his Department's scheme.

(Mayo West): An increase in the number of units allowed under the free electricity allowance scheme is not at present contemplated.

The present number of units granted by his Department is a deterrent in many cases, particularly with regard to old age pensioners who find that they have reached their maximum number of units and are afraid to use an electrical appliance because of the increased charges involved. Would the Minister consider looking again at the scheme with a view to increasing the allowance? Many pensioners spend many days freezing in the cold weather because of the fear of using the extra units.

(Mayo West): The problem here is one of cost. With the budget available to my Department at present it will be hard enough to get by without having to pay increased costs.

In the next budget, then?

Would the Minister assure the House that for next winter, because of the serious increase in the ESB's charges over the last six to eight months, the less well off in our society will have more units made available to them?

(Mayo West): An effort has been made in the last few years by successive Governments to try to make life easier for the older and less well off. However, there is a limit to what Departments can do in this regard. We have been doing reasonably well and while I accept that there may be hardship cases, the Department cannot accept increased costs at present in relation to this matter.

23.