asked the Minister for Social Welfare the average number of beneficiaries under the national-urban fuel scheme in each of the past five years in respect of each of the Eastern Health Board administrative areas.
Written Answers. - Free Fuel Scheme.
483.
The national fuel scheme came into operation on 1 October 1980. Information in regard to the average number of beneficiaries is not available in relation to this scheme. The total numbers of persons who received assistance under the scheme during the 1980-81 and 1981-82 seasons are as follows:
|
1980-81 |
1981-82 |
|
|
Dublin |
10,996 |
13,198 |
|
Wicklow |
1,512 |
2,096 |
|
Kildare |
1,202 |
1,643 |
|
Total |
13,710 |
16,937 |
Complete statistical returns on the 1981-82 urban fuel scheme are not yet available. Statistics on the average number of receipients in towns operating the urban schemes, within the Eastern Health Board area, for the previous 5 years are as follows:
|
1976-77 |
1977-78 |
1978-79 |
1979-80 |
1980-81 |
||
|
Dublin |
26,465 |
26,532 |
24,581 |
35,092 |
31,419 |
|
|
Dublin Area |
Dún Laoghaire |
1,245 |
1,234 |
1,299 |
1,820 |
1,485 |
|
Balbriggan |
189 |
214 |
227 |
253 |
282 |
|
|
27,899 |
27,980 |
26,107 |
37,165 |
33,186 |
||
|
Arklow |
549 |
560 |
630 |
527 |
407 |
|
|
Wicklow Area |
Bray |
540 |
563 |
524 |
822 |
865 |
|
Wicklow |
268 |
302 |
285 |
297 |
286 |
|
|
1,357 |
1,425 |
1,439 |
1,646 |
1,558 |
||
|
Kildare |
Urban scheme does not operate in this area |
|||||
|
TOTAL: |
29,256 |
29,405 |
27,546 |
38,811 |
34,744 |
The principal reason for the reduction in the average number of recipients in 1980-81 was the transfer of persons to the national fuel scheme.
484.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he will consider extending the national fuel scheme beyond April in the event of severe weather conditions persisting.
The suggestion made by the Deputy will be borne in mind in the context of the review of the free fuel schemes which is at present taking place. A general extension of this nature would, however, cost about £550,000 for each additional week. Another approach might, however, be for persons to avail themselves of existing provisions in the scheme of supplementary welfare allowances. These provide for the payment of allowances to persons with exceptional heating needs because of ill-health or infirmity.