asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will instruct local authorities to arrange for the fuel provided for old age pensioners to be delivered to their homes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pensioners' Fuel Supplies.
55.
I do not think it would be proper for me to issue instructions on the lines suggested. In my view local considerations should determine whether arrangements of this kind should be introduced.
I may add that the conditions governing the State grant do not provide for recoupment in respect of expenses incurred in delivering fuel to the homes of recipients.
Can the Minister say whether or not local authorities are entitled to provide free delivery of this fuel?
Yes. It is a matter for the local authority. They are at liberty to decide to do that, if they think local circumstances require it.
Would the Minister be prepared to advise local authorities that they should, in certain circumstances, provide free delivery of the fuel?
That is a matter for the local authorities themselves.
Would the Minister be prepared to advise them that they are at liberty to do it?
I am sure they are very well aware of the position.
They are not.
I pointed out to the Deputy that the conditions governing the State grant do not provide for recoupment of expenses incurred in free delivery. Local authorities can do it at their own expense.
I am asking the Minister if he is prepared to advise local authorities that they are at liberty?
I do not think it would be my place to do that and I am quite sure there is no need for me to advise local authorities of their powers in that respect.