Every citizen in the State aged over 75 would be entitled to a free television licence, free energy allowances and free telephone rental from next October, regardless of income or household composition, it was announced yesterday.
The Minister for Social Welfare said those over 75 would be invited to apply for the allowances during a nation-wide publicity campaign in the middle of next year.
Mr Ahern said the move would benefit approximately 25,000 households.
Under current arrangements, free schemes are available to people aged 75 years or over provided they are receiving a social welfare payment or satisfy a means test. The new measure would abolish these conditions.
Extending the scheme would emphasise the importance of supporting older people in society, Mr Ahern said yesterday.
"As the UN Year of Older People draws to a close I am particularly pleased to be able to acknowledge the value of our older people. Those aged 75 years or over are at most risk of needing care, and this measure would ensure that households with someone aged 75 years or more would automatically qualify for free schemes."
The free telephone rental allowance would cover the normal two-monthly rental charges for a telephone and up to 20 free call units in each two-monthly billing period. VAT on telephone billing charges up to the allowance limit would also be covered.
The free energy allowance would cover natural gas, bottled gas and electricity, including group accounts.
The free electricity allowance would cover normal standing charges up to 1,500 units each year. The free natural gas allowance would cover normal standing/supply charges and a certain amount of natural gas each year.
The free bottled gas refill allowance would be payable through a book of vouchers. Each voucher can be exchanged for a cylinder of gas at a retail outlet.
The free television licence would be available though local post offices.