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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Apr 1943

Vol. 89 No. 13

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Food Voucher and Fuel Scheme.

Mr. Byrne

asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware of the serious hardships being placed on a large number of necessitous persons by the recent modification of the fuel scheme, and food voucher scheme; if he is aware that none of the advantages outlined in his letter withdrawing certain grants, and read at the meeting of Dublin Board of Assistance on Wednesday, 24th March, are available for Dublin City; and if he will see that the grants are fully restored.

As the Deputy must be aware from the terms of the Vote passed in this House, the fuel scheme initiated by the Government last winter was intended to be operative only in the winter months. This was in accordance with the practice followed by the one public assistance authority, which granted heretofore a supplemental allowance for fuel. One of the objects of the Government scheme, in fact the principal object, was to provide a constant supply of fuel during the winter at reduced prices for the classes entitled to participate in it. When the winter scheme concluded at the end of last month it was decided, in view of the special circumstances now existing, to continue the arrangements in a modified form during the summer months so as to ensure that the more necessitous families of the classes who participated in the winter season would obtain a regular supply of turf at reasonable rates up to the time when next winter's scheme will be introduced. So far as the food voucher scheme in Dublin City is concerned, it has not been modified; the Dublin Board of Assistance were informed in reply to representations made by them that they should continue their food scheme pending a review of their particular circumstances. They have since been informed that the Government will recoup them for expenditure on this service up to an amount not exceeding their expenditure under this head last year. In the light of these facts it must be clear to the Deputy that there is no foundation for the suggestion contained in the first part of his question.

Mr. Byrne

Is the Minister aware that the modified form of arrangements, to which he has just referred, means that necessitous persons have to pay 1/- for four stone of turf where, previously, all they had to pay was 6d. for eight stone of turf, and that the cost of delivery is still the same? In view of that fact, will the Minister do something about this matter?

I am aware that the first scheme for providing free or cheap fuel for the people here was brought in by this Government.

Mr. Byrne

Is the Minister aware that none of the advantages outlined in his letter, withdrawing certain grants, which was read at a meeting of the Dublin Board of Assistance, and published in the papers, is available for Dublin City, and will he see that the grants are fully restored? I have the statements here.

Neither quotations nor letters may be read at Question Time.

Mr. Byrne

I am speaking, Sir, of the matter of the continuance of this fuel scheme, and wish to know whether the Minister will put into operation the recommendations of the Commissioners?

I have informed the Deputy, no letters or documents may be read at Question Time.

Mr. Byrne

Well, Sir, will the Minister pay any attention to the recommendations of the Dublin Board of Assistance in regard to this matter, as reported in the Irish Press of Thursday?

Surely, Sir, it is in order to quote the Irish Press?

Mr. Byrne

Is the Minister going to pay any attention to the recommendations of the Dublin Board of Assistance?

I do not know whether the Deputy is capable of apprehending the meaning of the answer I have given.

Mr. Byrne

It is very difficult to apprehend.

I have already informed the Deputy that I have paid attention to the recommendations made to me by the Commissioners of the Dublin Board of Assistance.

Mr. Byrne

And the Minister will do nothing!

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