Vol. 476 No. 7
344 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether the independent consultants' report, due to be received by his Department at the end of February 1997, was received; if so, the recommendations, if any, contained in this report on the extension of eligibility criteria for the free fuel scheme and other issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8202/97]
Independent consultants were engaged by my Department to carry out a review of the national fuel scheme to ensure that it is operating effectively and equitably and to assist my Department in the operation and future planning of the scheme.
A draft of the consultant's report was received a short time ago and circulated within my Department for observations. These observations have been forwarded to the consultants who are in the process of finalising the report. When the final report is received, its recommendations will be examined by my Department.
Copies of the report will be placed in the Oireachtas Library as soon as they become available. Copies will also be supplied to interested parties and Deputies.
