asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a claim for the national fuel scheme was refused to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - National Fuel Scheme.
55.
The national fuel scheme applies to person who are in receipt of long-term social welfare or health board payments who are either living alone or only with persons who come within certain excepted categories. This year for the first time the scheme has been extended to the long-term unemployed where they are living alone or with dependants.
The person concerned is in receipt of long-term unemployment assistance. He lives with his wife who is in receipt of a separate social welfare payment in her own right. His wife is not, therefore, his dependant for the purpose of the national fuel scheme and his application for an allowance under the scheme had, therefore, to be refused.