asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if, in view of the curtailment of gas supply and the consequent necessity for a fire for cooking purposes during the summer, and of the increased cost of fuel, he will recommend to the commissioners administering home assistance in Dublin the desirability of restoring the special fuel allowance of 3/- per fortnight which ceased to be payable after the week ending the 26th April, 1942.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fuel Allowance.
The grant of assistance rests entirely with the commissioners. They are in this respect in the same position as the board of public assistance. There was no reference to my Department in connection with the original proposal, either as regards its inception or termination.
Will the Minister make a recommendation that the fuel allowance should be continued? Does the Parliamentary Secretary not know that food has to be cooked in summer as well as in winter?
The Minister has no function in this matter at all. It is entirely a matter for the board.
Has the board power to do that if they think fit?
They have.