asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the present fuel position, he will be prepared to arrange for the release of all reserves of fuel supplies in Government Departments for use in national schools, hospitals, nursing homes, dispensaries, convents and colleges.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fuel Shortage.
Arrangements have been made for practically all the categories mentioned by the Deputy. Limited reserves of fuel available for Government offices are being so used as to prevent any encroachment on the supplies for other consumers.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the people of Sandyford are without supplies of fuel of any kind; and if he will make arrangements immediately to relieve the situation.
I have received no complaints that the people of Sandyford are without supplies of fuel. Inquiry is being made in the matter.
Has the Minister received a complaint from me that the people in Sandyford were in such a bad way for turf that it was being distributed by some firm and that an official of his Department prevented the turf being distributed because it was not in accordance with some regulations made under an Emergency Powers Order?
I have received no complaint concerning the fuel supply in Sandyford from anybody.
I will raise the matter later. A communication was sent to the Minister.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the difficulties experienced at the present time in the City and County of Dublin in securing adequate supplies of fuel for domestic use; and if his Department will take steps to improve the supply of turf and wood fuel for domestic purposes.
I am aware that, owing to weather conditions, unusual domestic fuel difficulties exist at the present time in the City and County of Dublin. All possible steps in the matter open to my Department are being taken to deal with the situation.
Would the Minister take steps to see that the Order prohibiting removal of timber adjacent to roadsides is modified? There is a considerable amount of timber suitable for firewood adjacent to public roads, laneways and avenues and that is covered by the military Order. The Minister should get in touch with the Minister for Defence and have that Order modified.
As the Deputy's suggestion refers to an Order administered by another Minister, I think it is desirable that he should give notice of his question.
It would be no harm for the Minister to ask the Minister for Defence.
There is a procedure to be followed.
The Minister must be questioned only on a matter under his jurisdiction.