asked the Minister for Defence if it is correct that the freeissue of fuel to married soldiers resident at the Curragh Camp has been stopped and, if so, for what reason.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Soldiers' Free Issue of Fuel.
Soldiers in occupation of married quarters have, since September, 1929, been required to pay 10/6 a week for the quarters, furniture, fuel, light and water. A limited number who were in occupation of quarters before September, 1929, pay 5/3 a week. Consequent on a review of these rates it has been decided to discontinue the issue of fuel with effect from the 1st September next and to fix the rate of deduction for the quarters, furniture, light and water at 5/ a week.
Can the Minister say what the effect of the net cost to the State will be?
I cannot say that. That is a separate question.
Would the Minister consider the difficulties that will be experienced in places like Curragh Camp if the many hundreds of occupants of married quarters have to make their own arrangements with regard to fuel? I think there will be difficulty there.
That seems to be a separate question, too.
The officers do not come into this. Provision will be made for them. This applies only to the rank and file. Provision will be made for them. The usual traders who trade in fuel of different kinds will be admitted to the camp.
Can the Minister state why this decision was taken?
One reason is that the cost to the State was exorbitant. This was originally fixed away back in 1929. The cost of fuel has, of course, increased considerably and the State was carrying the full cost. After careful examination it was found that quite a number of these families were using much less fuel than others and it was decided this was the fairest way possible to bring the thing to a conclusion.
When the Minister says the cost was exorbitant does that imply that the Department will be saving substantially by the new method?
I would not say so.
Obviously they will not lose.