asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the serious hardships caused to many families in North Mayo because of their inability to harvest the turf crops in this very wet season; and if he will take the necessary steps to provide free coal so as to help these deserving cases over the winter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Provision of Free Coal in Mayo.
108.
There are no funds at my disposal which would enable me to arrange to provide free coal for persons who experienced difficulty in harvesting turf but, where the circumstances so warrant, public assistance authorities may, in the exercise of their normal functions, help families who are unable to provide themselves with fuel.
Is the Minister aware that due to the shortage of briquettes, many people are finding it very difficult to get in fuel? Would the Minister not take the necessary steps to see that something is done to help these people in an emergency such as this? The Red Cross came to the rescue of the people affected by flooding, and could the Minister not bring in emergency legislation to obviate the serious hardship which is occurring?
It is quite obvious that this is a matter which could not be dealt with in that way.
All the Minister wants is money and he could deal with it.
Not at all.