asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware that recipients of turf under the free fuel scheme are gravely dissatisfied with its quality; and, if so, if he will have the matter examined forthwith with a view to providing these necessitous people with proper fuel.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Fuel Scheme.
23.
I am not aware of any dissatisfaction with the quality of the fuel supplied under the cheap fuel scheme. The best machine won turf is supplied.
The arrangements with the suppliers are not made by my Department but by the local authority concerned. In Dublin, the Health Authority administers the scheme and no complaint in regard to the fuel has been made to the authority.
24.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he is aware that grave hardship is being imposed on recipients under the free fuel scheme by reason of the fact that hauliers are now charging them two shillings per bag instead of sixpence and a shilling as heretofore; if he will have the matter examined; and if he will give favourable reconsideration to the provision of this fuel free of charge and delivered free to the necessitous recipients.
As I informed the Deputy in reply to a similar question on 29th January last, arrangements for the delivery of fuel are not a matter for my Department. The State grant enables the local authority to be reimbursed for the cost of the fuel but does not provide for the cost of a delivery service to the homes of the recipients.
Under the scheme the fuel is provided free of charge to recipients of home assistance and, in Dublin, is delivered free to persons in that category who are regarded as disabled.