asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider providing a distribution depot in the Walkinstown, Dublin area, to cater for widows who experience difficulty in receiving their supply of fuel under the free fuel scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Fuel Scheme.
45.
The fuel scheme in the Dublin area is operated by the Eastern Health Board on behalf of the Dublin Corporation and the provision of fuel depots is, therefore, primarily a matter for that board.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in the Walkinstown area quite a number of widows were unable to obtain turf last year and therefore the vouchers given to them were really worthless?
As I replied to the Deputy the scheme is operated by the Eastern Health Board and the provision of a fuel depot in any particular area is a matter for that board. I suggest to the Deputy as an elected representative for the area that he should make representation to the Eastern Health Board.
I understand that in Dún Laoghaire provision has been made whereby these fuel vouchers can be exchanged at any retail outlet. Surely Dún Laoghaire is under the control of the Eastern Health Board? If it is possible there surely the Parliamentary Secretary would consider directing the Eastern Health Board to make this facility available throughout the rest of their administrative area?
The position, as I understand it, is that the Dún Laoghaire local authority have arranged for free delivery to recipients. There is nothing to prevent, under existing law, any local authority or health board from making the same arrangements.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider in whatever future legislation comes up giving a direction to the local authority or the health authority to ensure that this fuel will be delivered or that it can be exchanged at outlets throughout the area?
That is a separate question.
Do I take it there is nothing to prevent the Eastern Health Board from making the necessary provision to have this fuel delivered to these widows?
As I said, the local authority responsible for the Dún Laoghaire area have provided delivery to recipients under the free fuel scheme. There is nothing to prevent any local authority from providing the same service within their own operational area.