asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that some time ago necessitous persons in receipt of blind pensions, unemployment benefit, old age pensions and home assistance allowances, received vouchers for butter, bread and milk which were later withdrawn and a cash allowance substituted and that many of those now in receipt of vouchers for turf which they themselves have to carry from depots, often a considerable distance from their homes, would prefer these vouchers to be withdrawn and a cash allowance substituted, so that they could purchase fuel delivered at their doors; and, if so, if he will favourably consider the suggestion and thus eliminate the hardships now being borne by the weak, the aged and the infirm, or, alternatively, have arrangements made for the voucher fuel to be delivered to their homes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fuel Vouchers.
The purpose of the cheap fuel scheme is to ensure that a supply of cheap fuel will be made available to specified categories of necessitous persons. I do not consider that the objects of the scheme would be met by the substitution of a cash allowance for the present voucher system. As regards the second part of the Deputy's question, an arrangement has existed in the Dublin area for some years under which the fuel is delivered to the recipients' homes by private carriers at a small cost to the recipient. I am not aware that any demand exists for delivery to the homes of recipients in other areas.
Mr. Byrne
Is the Minister aware that if he changed the voucher to cash, people could buy the fuel at their own doors instead of having to travel long distances in wet, windy and cold weather, and carry it in many cases on their backs? If the Minister were to give them cash, certain people engaged in the business could call at the halldoor and, for a couple of pence extra, deliver the fuel into their rooms.
I would appeal to the Minister to consider the idea of doing away with vouchers altogether. If they got cash they could get decent, dry turf.
There is some sense in that.
Would the Minister consider framing the voucher in such form that the roomkeeper might exchange it at the door with the purveyor of fuel, the purveyor of fuel being permitted to encash it at a central bureau where they were satisfied he had faithfully delivered fuel for it and was not in fact trading in the voucher?
The amount of wet turf they get is scandalous.
Is the Minister aware that no satisfactory arrangement exists for the delivery of that turf to these voucher holders, that, in fact, it is a racket?
That is all.
And that they are blackmailed and coerced into giving these delivery arrangements to certain people? His predecessor did undertake to consider the possibility of making arrangements for the delivery of the turf at a small charge to these recipients.
It is delivered for a small charge in Dublin. I think the trouble in this arises out of the primary object of this scheme. The primary object was to ensure that the person would get turf. That was in a time when fuel was scarce. Now, of course, it has developed into a cheap form of turf. For that reason, of course, the primary regulations laid down are not perhaps suitable.
Would the Minister consider my proposal?
Mr. Byrne
Would the Minister consider the suggestion made by Deputy Dillon to change the voucher at the roomkeeper's door?
Question No. 16.