asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the increased price and the reduction in the quantity of fuel supplied on vouchers issued to old age pensioners, the unemployed and those in receipt of home assistance allowances; and, if so, if he will furnish the Dáil with an explanation for the increased price and the reduced supply.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fuel Supply and Price.
Mr. Byrne
The Deputy should be well aware by now that the cheap fuel scheme is operated during the summer on a different basis to that of the winter. It has always been the practice during the summer to issue only a half-cwt. of fuel per week and to collect two-thirds of the cost from the recipients. There has been no change in that procedure, but the contribution in most areas is higher this year due to the increase in the cost of the fuel.
Mr. Byrne
The Parliamentary Secretary said I must be aware of how the scheme is worked. I am perfectly aware and because of that I put down the question, to ask him if he would amend it and give better value to the old age pensioners by way of fuel and bring it back to the old price.
Under the winter scheme the participants receive one cwt. of fuel per week at rates of contribution which bear no relation to the cost but vary according to the type of recipient, as follows: Old age, blind and widows' and orphans' pensioners, 6d. per cwt.; unemployment assistance cases, 1/- per cwt.; families on low incomes, 2/- per cwt.