asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the unprecedented increase in the price of fuel, he will extend the free fuel scheme to areas not already covered by it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Fuel Scheme.
42.
The fuel scheme was introduced in 1942 when fuel of every kind was difficult to obtain particularly in the areas known as the "non-turf areas" in which the scheme operated. Its operation was and is confined to some 17 cities and towns mainly along the eastern and southern seaboards. Although the scheme has continued in operation, the conditions giving rise to it no longer obtain and in the circumstances its extension to other areas is not contemplated.
I am aware of the reasons why the scheme was introduced but surely the Parliamentary Secretary would agree that with the exceptional increase in the price of fuel people depending, for example, on non-contributary pensions, are finding it very difficult to buy fuel. In those circumstances would he consider extending the scheme?
It is not contemplated extending the scheme at present but there are other means of trying to cushion people against increases of this nature.
Perhaps the Parliamentary Secretary will look into this whole question?
Certainly.
Is it the view of the Parliamentary Secretary and of his Department that this is a desirable and worthwhile scheme?
It would be fair to say that the scheme as it is now operating is, in my opinion, not a satisfactory one and I do not think it provides what it set out to provide.
I am grateful to the Parliamentary Secretary for that answer because this scheme is causing a lot of public dissatisfaction at present. I should like to ask the Parliamentary Secretary if he is not satisfied as a lot of other people are not with the whole basis of the scheme will he consider substituting some better scheme in this area? Has the Parliamentary Secretary any proposals in mind?
That is a separate question.