asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware that wet turf is being distributed at the various outdoor depôts in Dublin to the unemployed and those in receipt of home assistance and the blind and old age pensioners who pay for the turf at reduced prices, that the turf is delivered to the depôts in a wet condition and continuous rain leaves it in a water-logged condition which lessens the weight and value of the actual turf sold to these people; and, if so, what steps he intends to take to remedy the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Condition of Turf Supplies.
Mr. Byrne
I am not aware that wet turf is being distributed under the cheap fuel scheme at the various depôts in Dublin and no complaints have been received from recipients, either by my Department or by the Dublin Board of Assistance, regarding the quality of the fuel. Machine-won turf is at present supplied under the scheme and is of the best quality obtainable.
Mr. Byrne
Would the Minister send out an inspector to see the conditions under which these people are being served with turf which is exposed to snow and rain? I might mention three of these depôts in which such conditions obtain—Newland Avenue, Cabra, and Ballybough.
May I say that the turf which is being supplied to these people is the best quality machine-won turf that is obtainable? If the rain is getting at it, it is a matter for the authority which supplies the turf to put a proper covering on the turf. That is not too much to expect.
Is the Minister aware that it is red sponge that is being supplied by his Department to these people in Cork?
That is only because of the incompetence of the people handling the matter.