asked the Minister for Supplies if he will take the necessary steps to have the kerosene ration for 1944 allocated for the 1st September instead of the 1st October, as October is rather late for its distribution to farmers in the country who are finding it difficult to do their work without some means of lighting.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerosene Ration.
I am not yet in a position to say what supplies of kerosene may be available for distribution in 1944, and cannot, accordingly, give any indication of the arrangements that may be possible for the distribution of kerosene for domestic use in that year.
Is the Minister aware of the inconvenience caused to farmers who live in rural areas and who depend on this ration of kerosene, particularly in the month of September, which is the harvesting month, when they have to remain in the fields very late in the evening and have to do inside work of great importance when they return to their homes, looking after cattle and pigs? The housewife has to cook meals and bake bread, and various other things. I would like the Minister to explain how that is to be done in the dark of the night.
I am fully aware of the inconvenience caused by the scarcity of kerosene, but I know of no method of distributing kerosene which we have not got.
asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state what is the reason for the delay in the distribution of the kerosene ration allocated for the 1st October in a number of areas in South Mayo; and if he is aware that the delay has caused a lot of inconvenience to the farmers.
There was some delay in the distribution of kerosene in most parts of the country in October, owing to transport difficulties. Every effort is being made to minimise such delays, but they cannot always be avoided.
asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that small concerns such as dressmakers, tailors, shoemakers, harnessmakers, etc., in the provincial towns and villages are unable to carry on their business at night owing to the inadequacy of the present kerosene allowance, and whether, in view of the importance to the rural community of the work of these establishments, he will make available to them a special issue of kerosene during the winter months to enable them to carry on their business.
I have accorded the fullest consideration to the question of kerosene requirements for the lighting of workshops of the kinds mentioned by the Deputy, and I regret that, owing to the very limited quantities of the oil available, no special allowance can at present be made for such purposes.
asked the Minister for Supplies if he will consider making an extra ration of paraffin available for country shops where business is carried on mainly after working hours in the country.
I have accorded the fullest consideration to the question of kerosene requirements for the lighting of business premises generally, but owing to the very limited supplies of kerosene available I regret that except in the case of licensed premises no special provision can at present be made for this purpose.