asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether, in view of the difficulty of obtaining turf in Youghal, and the large number of necessitous persons living in that town, he will consider extending the provisions of the Emergency Fuel Scheme to Youghal, as has already been done in the case of another turf area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Turf Supply in Youghal.
Mr. Broderick
It is not proposed to extend the fuel scheme to all urban areas. The need for ensuring a supply of winter fuel is greatest in the cities and urban areas in the non-turf areas, and it is in these areas that the distribution of fuel is being authorised. In towns in the turf areas, the necessary provision for necessitous households can be met by voluntary effort, or where necessary by the public assistance authority. For instance, in a letter received from the Youghal Urban District Council on the 23rd October, it was stated that the parish council have 120 tons of timber on hands for distribution to the poor, and that it appeared to the council that the provision which is being made for the poor is quite sufficient to tide them over the winter months. It was further stated that, in the event of it becoming necessary, the council have a number of trees on their own property which they could hold in reserve.
Mr. Broderick
Is the Minister aware that instructions have been sent to the Cork Board of Assistance to make provision for the supply of turf to recipients of home assistance, unemployment assistance, old age pensions, widows' and orphans pensions, and so on; and why should the people, who have to contribute 75 per cent. of the cost of this, be denied these facilities themselves?
This scheme is intended to apply only in the non-turf areas where fuel is not available to the people.
Mr. Broderick
I contend that Youghal is not in the same position.
It may be.