asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that the present scheme for deciding eligibility for free electricity and free telephone allowances and free television licences, etc., discriminates against those who are not in receipt of social welfare pensions, although some may be on significantly lower incomes; and if he will consider introducing a statutory means limit to decide entitlement to fringe benefits associated with old age pensions.

The benefits to which the Deputy refers were originally intended to enable old people receiving social welfare type pensions who were living alone to remain active in the community for as long as possible by enabling them to reside in their own homes. This is still a basic objective of the schemes although the concept of "living alone" has been extended to disregard certain other categories such as dependent spouses and children, other pensioners, invalids.

I am satisfied the schemes serve a useful social purpose and I do not propose to impose restrictions on them on the lines suggested by the Deputy.

Having regard to the statement that the Minister made yesterday that about 40 per cent of those entitled were not claiming their full entitlement and that a considerable number do not apply for the benefits to which they are entitled, will the Minister consider issuing the leaflet he referred to yesterday with the new old age pension books that will go out when the next increase is implemented — the first week in July?

That was a supplementary question to yesterday's question and is not in order today.

I was trying to get the Minister to nod his head in agreement.

I would be reluctant to send it with the pension books because of the practice in many post offices to take the pension book from the envelopes when they are paying the pensions. I would prefer to send a separate notification.

I was trying to suggest a means whereby the Minister could save money by enclosing the leaflet with the pension book rather than incur the enormous cost of issuing it separately.

Is the Minister aware that there are a number of pensioners whose income is less than the social welfare pension who are not in receipt of free electricity, free television licence and free telephone? Would he ensure that the scheme is extended to cover these persons?

That is the exact wording of the question.

The Minister did not answer it.

11.