asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his Department has conducted any survey into the problem of heating for elderly people, people of low income etc. who may be unable to afford the price of fuel next winter; and if consideration is being given to stockpiling enough turf to combat this problem.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Heating Survey.
7.
No survey on the lines referred to by the Deputy has been undertaken nor is the stockpiling of turf under consideration by my Department. The fuel schemes will, of course, continue in operation as usual in the prescribed areas from October to April next, and in addition the free electricity scheme will continue to be available, subject to the usual conditions, to persons in receipt of old age or blind pensions and to persons aged 68 years or over in receipt of certain other social welfare type pensions.
Is the Minister aware that the price of a bale of briquettes has risen, I understand, to around 39 pence or 40 pence, which is twice what it was last winter? Would he have someone within his Department examine the possibility that there may well be a problem this winter for people who will not be able to afford to buy fuel to keep themselves warm because they will not be able to afford the new price increases, people who might normally fall outside of the free turf scheme?
I do not think that is a matter for the Minister for Social Welfare. As far as my responsibilities are concerned, the cost to the recipient or the person who is eligible is 2½p for one cwt. of turf.
I think the Minister should bear in mind that there will be problems this winter. Would he bear in mind that we are making representations to him well in time in case there will be hardship?
I want to help the Deputy but would he ask a specific supplementary question.
The only thing I can say in that respect is that, by reason of the fact that the old age pension eligibility age will be reduced to 68 from 1st July, many more, some thousands of people, will benefit from the scheme.
I am not thinking of old age pensioners only.
The Deputy suggested that the scheme might be extended to other people.
In view of the fact that all electricity is not free, that it is the amount under 100 units only and, in view of the unit cost increase to old age pensioners and others, would the Minister consider increasing the unit upper limit to a larger figure to obviate the necessity for extra charges on old people?
I note the Deputy's proposal but I cannot give any guarantee at this stage.