asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that the Society of St. Vincent de Paul are unable to undertake their usual deliveries of coal to indigent people this coming winter and his proposals, if any, in the matter.
Written Answers. - Fuel Supplies.
60.
My information from the St. Vincent de Paul Society is that while their suppliers are not prepared this year to deliver in small quantities to the society's recipients, as they did heretofore, they have made a bulk delivery of coal to the society and their members will bag and deliver this as the need arises.
61.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will direct fuel suppliers to give top priority in fuel deliveries to the elderly and disabled this winter.
I have set up a liaison committee of representatives of my Departments, Dublin Corporation, Dublin County Council, and the Eastern Health Board, to ensure the successful operation of the fuel schemes this winter. While I have no power to issue directions to fuel suppliers in the way suggested I feel assured that their co-operation with the authorities concerned will be forthcoming in ensuring that our aim is achieved.
I might mention that for participants in the fuel scheme in the Dublin city area supplies of turf are being guaranteed by Bord na Móna to those who require the fuel and arrangements have been made to ensure a regular free delivery service for infirm and disabled persons.
In a press statement which I issued early in September about heating arrangements I suggested to health boards which are operating local schemes that they should ensure that fuel will be available in the event of shortages at normal outlets and that they should consider what other improvements they could make at local level to improve the effectiveness of their schemes.