asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware of the widespread hardship being caused by the scarcity of turf briquettes; and that Dublin shopkeepers and householders are being rationed supplies at present; why supplies are now insufficient; why supplies are irregular from time to time; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Turf Briquettes.
15.
As regards the supply and distribution of briquettes, I would refer the Deputy to the statement made by me in reply to a question by Deputy Molloy on 20th October, 1965. I am not aware of any such hardship as alternative fuels are in plentiful supply.
The Minister will appreciate that for many people turf briquettes are the most convenient form of fuel. Can he indicate if there is any prospect that, in the near future, there will be a substantial improvement in the supply of turf briquettes in Dublin city?
I am afraid I cannot give the Deputy any satisfactory answer in regard to the future supply of turf briquettes. Because of the disastrous weather, the supply is inadequate and only about one-third of the supply normally available is available at the moment for institutions and so on whose plant is specially designed to burn turf briquettes. That is the position.