asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of persons, who left the Dublin city area and are now living in houses built by Dublin Corporation outside the city boundary, who qualify for fuel under the cheap fuel scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fuel Scheme.
122.
The information sought by the Deputy is not available in my Department.
123.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state the sum expended on the free fuel scheme for old age pensioners in Limerick city in (a) 1957 and (b) 1966.
The information requested by the Deputy is not available in my Department.
Question No. 124.
Arising out of Question No. 123, did I hear the Minister say that the information was not available?
We are now on No. 124.
The Minister has not started to answer No. 124.
The Chair has called Question No. 124.
This is a matter of great importance——
I will allow the Deputy to put a Supplementary question on Question No. 123.
You will allow me?
Surprise, surprise!
Is the Minister aware that under this cheap fuel scheme Limerick City Corporation, through the graciousness of the then Minister, received a grant of £4,800 in 1954-55? The Minister concerned was Deputy Corish. In December of 1955 we got an increase of £700 at the time——
The Chair allowed the Deputy to put a question but the Deputy is giving information.
Will the Minister say now that, in view of the increase in the price of turf from 4/6 to 6/4 per cwt, the amount given in 1955 is adequate in 1966? Will he say that he will make a figure that compares with the amount given in Waterford which is practically 50 per cent more than was given to Limerick in 1955 and that he will bear this inequity in mind? Will he now increase the allocation to relieve the poor people of Limerick?
There is no by-election in Limerick. That is why there was an increase in Waterford.
(Interruptions.)
The Deputy asked, in respect of the number of old age pensioners, if the amount available for this type of assistance would be increased. So far as my Department is concerned a bulk sum is paid and there is no segregation into particular categories. That information should be available from the local health authority in Limerick.
There is no money available.
I did not say that.
(Interruptions.)
May I ask the Minister——
Will the Deputy please resume his seat and allow the House to continue its business?
There are people famished with the cold in the city of Limerick. That is of more concern to me——
Question No. 124.
Will the Minister give an increase in the amount?
Will the Deputy please resume his seat and allow questions to continue?
The Deputy has the interests of the poor people of Limerick at heart and the Minister has not.