asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will include domestic heating oil in the free fuel scheme as people who are entitled to participate in this scheme but who are geared for oil heating cannot participate in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Free Fuel Scheme.
23.
Approximately 218,000 qualified persons are receiving fuel allowances in the current heating season. About 163,000 of them are receiving the allowance either by cheque, or, in the case of the long-term unemployed, in cash at the same time as they receive their weekly unemployment assistance. In the case of the 47,000 beneficiaries under the urban fuel schemes, fuel vouchers are being provided by the local authorities concerned. These vouchers are exchangeable for any type of fuel.
Fuel vouchers have been, and continue to be, used in the purchase of domestic heating oil. All recipients of the allowance, therefore, have full flexibility in relation to the purchase of whatever type of fuel meets their requirements.
I am not aware that any difficulty has now arisen in this regard but if the Deputy knows of a problem in any particular case, I will be happy to look into it if he will give me the details.