Vol. 374 No. 1
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the regulations issued by his Department in regard to the national fuel scheme commencing on 19 October and in particular, the regulation which limits payment from the date of application, if he will advertise extensively on television, radio and in the newspapers over the next week to alert eligible people of need to apply immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
141.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the hardship that may arise for old age pensioners and other social welfare recipients who overlook applying for fuel allowances for which they are eligible under the national fuel scheme, he will ease that part of the regulations which allows payment from the date of application only; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 140 and 141 together.
The national fuel scheme is intended to meet a current need for assistance with heating expenses and, in keeping with this intent, allowances under the scheme can only be allowed from the date of application.
Extensive publicity, both by way of general media interest in the rationalisation being undertaken and by way of paid newspaper advertising has already been afforded to the scheme this year and further newspaper advertising is planned shortly. It is not considered that television and radio advertising is necessary.
Each of the health boards, who are responsible for administering the national fuel scheme for categories of recipients other than the unemployed, have already placed, or are about to place, advertisements — in the national newspapers in the case of the Eastern and Southern Health Boards and in the local newspapers in the case of the other boards. These advertisements highlight the fact that fuel allowances are only payable from the date of application.
The Department will shortly be placing further advertisements in the newspapers and, in addition, will be placing posters in local offices throughout the country publicising the scheme.
The employment exchanges are responsible for the administration of this scheme for long term unemployment assistance recipients and application forms have been issued to all unemployment assistance recipients who may qualify under the scheme.
Every effort has, therefore, been made to ensure that the scheme is widely published.
