asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will consider extending the cheap fuel scheme for blind persons to rural areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cheap Fuel Scheme.
6.
An extension of the fuel scheme on the lines suggested is not at present contemplated.
Will the Minister not agree that those blind persons who live in rural areas are at a complete disadvantage compared with those living in urban areas? Further, will the Minister not agree that the Constitution is supposed to apply equally to all citizens of the State? Why should people in rural areas be discriminated against in any decisions taken by the Minister for Social Welfare in these matters?
I think it is fair to say that this scheme is somewhat out-of-date as it was introduced during the war to meet a specific need that existed at that time. The Minister is giving some consideration to the question of recasting the scheme generally.
The Minister's reply to me was a direct refusal. Can he hold out any hope for blind persons living in rural areas in the matter of these benefits?
With regard to blind persons, any blind pensioner in any part of the country who is in genuine need is eligible for home assistance and the health authority or public assistance authority can give free fuel as assistance in kind should that appear necessary.