asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is now in a position to indicate whether the instructions which he issued to local authorities increasing the charges for fuel under the free fuel scheme have been cancelled, or modified; and, if so, whether he will state the latest position in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fuel Prices.
Mr. Byrne
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is now in a position to give a definite answer, as promised on 14th November, in reply to supplementary questions by Deputies Norton and Byrne regarding the increased price in fuel issued through the voucher system to old age pensioners, unemployed persons and those in receipt of home assistance, if the increased charges have been withdrawn or if a further increase in the payments to old age pensioners will be made to enable them to meet the new prices for fuel and food.
With your consent, a Chinn Chomhairle, I propose to take Question No. 34 and Question No. 35 together.
An instruction was issued to local authorities on the 16th November that the contributions to be charged to recipients under the cheap fuel scheme this winter should be reduced to the rates which operated during previous winters. The reduction will come into effect during the week commencing the 26th November, 1951.