asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will make application forms for the free fuel allowance available at local post offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Free Fuel.
96.
Under the standardised national fuel scheme which I introduced in 1988, eligibility is determined where practicable at the same time as eligibility for the basic pensions to which the person is entitled. Otherwise information leaflets and application forms are sent by the Department to new pension claimants or made available at health board offices and my Department's local offices for clients of these offices. Claim forms and leaflets are also available at community information centres. In this way there are procedures to reach all categories who may qualify under the national fuel scheme.
In the circumstances, there should be little demand at post offices for forms, etc., relating to this scheme. Nevertheless, arrangements have been made with An Post for the distribution to their offices of the general information leaflets and application forms for pensioners. Forms for health board and local office clients will continue to be available locally from the office dealing with the client.
97.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare when a free fuel allowance will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
An application for free fuel allowance has been received in respect of the person concerned who has been requested to provide details of pension payments from the United Kingdom. On receipt of this information eligibility to free fuel allowance will be determined and the person concerned notified of the decision.