asked the Minister for Social Welfare if in view of the extremely inclement weather experienced over the past six months and still continuing he will urgently consider the extension of the free fuel scheme, applicable to old age pensioners, widows, etc., until the end of April.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Extension of Free Fuel Scheme.
17.
As I indicated in reply to a similar question last Thursday, I am not prepared to continue the cheap fuel scheme after 31st March.
Does the Minister not consider there is very considerable hardship on the poor people in Dublin, particularly in his constituency and mine, Ballyfermot, and is it not something that can be easily remedied at no great expense?
It is not something that could be easily remedied. This scheme has always terminated on 31st March, and it could not, in fact, be extended by simple administrative action. As Deputies know, it is administered by local authorities. They place contracts for the supply of fuel at certain prices for certain periods, for its delivery and distribution to fuel depots. All those contracts come to an end on the last day of March.
In view of the fact that that difficulty exists, what is to prevent the Minister making cash grants to the people concerned?
We are now making cash grants available in the Budget, in spite of Deputy Dunne's vote.