asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state the counties (a) that have put into operation the free and cheap fuel scheme; (b) the number and names of the councils that are qualified to operate the scheme and have not done so; (c) the regulation or Order under which the scheme is operated and (d) the number of persons receiving old age pensions, unemployment assistance and other allowances who would benefit by the scheme if it were put into operation by the local authorities who have not yet operated it but are eligible to do so.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free and Cheap Fuel Scheme.
The cheap fuel scheme is operated in the County Boroughs of Cork, Dublin and Waterford, in the Borough of Dun Laoghaire and in 12 urban districts situated in the Counties of Dublin, Kilkenny, Louth, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow. The scheme is confined to urban districts in the former non-turf areas but special schemes are operated in Galway and Limerick Cities.
The scheme is a departmental one and is not governed by Statutory Regulation or Order. Provisions in Emergency Powers Orders, No. 108 of 1941 and No. 310 of 1944, enable county councils and urban authorities to acquire and dispose of timber and turf fuel and these powers are used in the operation of the scheme.
This scheme was initiated during the emergency period and advantage was taken of it by the urban authorities as already indicated. Local authorities are not entitled to operate the scheme without obtaining the approval of the Minister in the first instance. There has been no general demand for an extension of the number of authorities operating the scheme. Figures are not available which would enable a reply to be given to part (d) of the question.
The Deputy is, no doubt, aware that it is open to a public assistance authority to supply fuel to necessitous persons under the Public Assistance Act, 1939.
Mr. Byrne
The Minister states that there was no general demand for the operation of this scheme, but these councils have the power, if they wish to use it, to put the scheme into operation. If these councils, as a result of pressure from the old age pensioners' organisation, agree to put a scheme into operation, will the Minister agree to sanction it?
Yes, I think so. Generally speaking, I would.