asked the Minister for Social Welfare the plans, if any, to provide for the postal delivery of fuel subsidy vouchers and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Fuel Subsidy Vouchers.
344.
The method of issuing fuel vouchers is primarily a matter for the local authority or health board concerned and I have no plans for a general postal delivery. The methods vary in the different areas where schemes are in operation.
In Dublin city by far the largest number of vouchers are collected by recipients at post offices or employment exchanges together with their weekly social welfare payments and I do not consider that postal delivery would be of any advantage. Under the new scheme operated by the Eastern Health Board eligible persons may collect a month's supply of vouchers in advance from the Community Welfare Officer and this arrangement minimises any inconvenience to the persons concerned. Vouchers are posted to recipients living in remote areas or unable to visit the health centre because of illness or infirmity. The board will give sympathetic consideration to any case where difficulty is experienced in calling to the health centre.