asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that the cost of fuel vouchers for recipients of old age, blind and widows' and orphans' pensions under the cheap fuel scheme in Dublin has been increased by 50 per cent. for the summer of 1952 compared to the same period last year; and, if so, if he will consider reverting to the charge for the summer of 1951.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost of Fuel Vouchers.
The rate of contribution under the cheap fuel scheme during the summer periods is dependent on the cost of the fuel and is fixed at approximately two-thirds of the cost of the fuel. That procedure has been continued in the current year and the contribution in most areas is higher than in previous years because of the increases in the cost of the fuel. It is not possible, therefore, in the case of Dublin, to revert to the rate of contribution which operated there during the summer of 1951.
May I point out to the Minister that when representations were made to him by the Dublin Board of Assistance and by a number of Deputies in the House, after the cost of the winter fuel voucher had been similarly increased, he did revert to the former charge? I would suggest that since the introduction of the Budget there is, if anything, a better case now for reverting to the former charge as far as the cost of summer vouchers is concerned.
He had not interviewed Mr. Butler last winter.
I would ask the Minister to receive a deputation, before finally deciding.
The deputation that interviewed me at the time referred to by Deputy ffrench-O'Carroll pointed out that the hardship was altogether in the winter and not so much in the summer. They induced me to change my mind for the winter only. I made it quite clear that we could not do so for the summer.
Will the Minister say if next winter's charge will be the same as the charge last winter?
He will have nothing to do with it.
According to the Minister for Justice.