We are disappointed the telephone allowance had to be taken away. If that measure had not been taken, some other equally harsh measure would have to had to be taken. It is welcome that the two Ministers are discussing allocating money to a senior alert scheme, which will be a comfort to anybody who lives in a rural area and dependent on the telephone.

The telephone companies have a responsibility in this area and I call on them to bring forward a suitable initiative. Those companies did quite well in the past because they were able to draw down this money in respect of telephone services they provided for older people. They should now put a package in place for those individuals who depend on their telephones in order to remain in contact with family and friends. The telephone companies will recoup the money involved - it is only €2 per week - in the long term.