105 Mr. G. Brady asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6 has not been awarded a widow's pension; and if in view of her financial circumstances, he will outline when this pension will be granted.

The person concerned was refused a widow's non-contributory pension in November 1990 as her means, derived from capital and the letting value of land, exceeded the statutory limit for entitlement.

106 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Social Welfare the cost of the free travel service to his Department for 1990; the estimated additional cost of extending the service to all widows and widowers on an annual basis.

Expenditure on the free travel scheme amounted to over £26 million in 1990. The estimated cost of extending the service to all widows and widowers currently in receipt of a social welfare pension is £2.5 million per annum.

107 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social Welfare the estimated cost of extending the PRSI concession enjoyed by widows in receipt of a social welfare pension to other widows; and if he will consider introducing such a change with an income ceiling if necessary to qualify for this PRSI concession.

Women in receipt of a widow's pension are liable for full social insurance contributions. From April 1992 they will be paying at the standard Class A social insurance rate of 5.5 per cent. They are not liable for the health contribution or the employment and training levy. The question of exemption from these levies would be a matter for the Ministers for Health and Labour respectively.