asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in order to ensure that only good class dry fuel is distributed to old age and blind pensioners, unemployed and others who benefit under the free and cheap fuel schemes, he will take steps to have such fuel protected from the elements by the roofing over of all fuel depots by the authorities administering the scheme and, further, if he will have the selling of wet turf and wet wood blocks made an offence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Fuel Supplies.
Mr. Byrne
The cheap fuel schemes are operated by the local authorities and any question in regard to the protection of the fuel from inclement weather is primarily a matter for them. The Dublin Board of Assistance is being asked to take all possible steps to protect the turf from inclement weather.
If the latter part of the Deputy's question relates to the sale of fuel in the ordinary course of business by private firms or individuals, the position is that I have no function in the matter. Turf issued under the fuel scheme is issued free or at a fraction of the cost and the best turf available is supplied.
Mr. Byrne
Is the Minister aware that if ten tons of turf are brought into a depôt dry and are then left out for a night in the rain they are 11 tons the next day with the added water? That is the certificate which I have got. I ask the Minister is it fair that people should be given turf with 40 per cent., 50 per cent. and 60 per cent. added water due to moisture content.
I would be glad if the Deputy would convey the technical knowledge about the expansion qualities of turf to the local authority concerned in this matter. It is the local authority that gets the fuel and is responsible for protecting it. There is no reason why ten tons of turf should become 11 tons by exposure if the local authority would cover the fuel. The Deputy is really in the wrong street by addressing this question to me. The body responsible is the local authority concerned. I have already suggested that the Deputy might tender his technical advice in this matter to the local authority concerned.
Mr. Byrne
I am asking the Minister to help in the matter and with his approval and maybe with his instructions it will be seen to.