asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether the free fuel scheme will be allocated in designated towns and cities to eligible persons irrespective of means or if means testing is to be introduced in these centres also.
Written Answers. - Free Fuel Scheme.
364.
No change is contemplated in the conditions for eligibility in the fuel schemes in operation in 17 designated towns and cities under which certain categories of social welfare recipients are automatically eligible.
365.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether the new national free fuel scheme is means tested; and, if so, the criteria used to establish eligibility.
The principal criterion for eligibility under the National Free Fuel Scheme is that the person concerned is unable to provide for his heating needs from his own resources. While no upper means limit has been prescribed to cover all cases, guidelines are in operation under which persons normally eligible are those in receipt of long-term social welfare or analogous payments who are living either alone or only with dependants or disabled persons or others in similar circumstances.
366.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare the basis on which an applicant (details supplied) in County Sligo who previously received assistance towards the cost of fuel in other years, has now been refused assistance under the new National Free Fuel Scheme.
I am informed by the NorthWestern Health Board that the application by the person concerned under the National Free Fuel Scheme has been allowed on appeal.