asked the Minister for Transport and Power the number of hospitals that have changed from the use of native fuel to oil; if permission was sought from his Department; and, if so, the grounds on which permission was granted.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital Fuel Sources.
23.
Responsibility for ensuring that Government policy in regard to preference in use of native fuels by hospitals rests with the Minister for Health. Information as regards the number of hospitals which may have changed from native fuel to oil is not available in my Department. I expect to have this information shortly and shall then transmit it to the Deputy.
Is it a fact that the Minister's permission has to be obtained in order to change from the use of turf to oil?
No—the permission of the Minister for Health.
I thought it was the Minister for Transport and Power.
No.
We must not have an argument on this matter.
I thought it was the responsibility of the Minister also.
No, I do not think so. I have no information as to what fuel any hospital uses in order to provide heating. I have asked the Department of Health and they have not got this information either. They are trying to get it from the various health boards.
It is the normal practice if a question does not apply to a Minister to transmit it to the appropriate Minister. Why was this question dealt with by the Minister if it is not his function?
The Chair has no control over these matters.
I thought the Chair had control over all matters.
The question is down to me.
If it is not the Minister's responsibility, it is normal to refer it to the appropriate Department.
If it were an embarrassing question it would be transferred.
Does the Minister approve of hospitals changing from native fuel to oil?
I could not give a general answer to that question. By and large, I would say I do not approve. I would prefer to see them using turf. There may be individual cases where special considerations would have to be taken into account. The Deputy would have to give me a specific case before I could say whether I approve or not.
Surely the Minister should be aware of it?
I answered that I am not aware.
Is the Minister not aware that home produced fuel is being by-passed in preference to imported fuel?
No, I am not. Deputy Davern asked me the number of hospitals that have changed from native fuel to oil. I have no information that any hospital has changed from native fuel to oil but I have asked the Department of Health to get me the information through the health boards in case there may be some who have done so.
In view of the Minister's appeal for a reduction in oil consumption I thought he would be aware of a tendency to use oil instead of native fuel.
It is only lip-service.
I have asked people to cut down on the use of energy, not just oil.
And turf.
Particularly of oil. Should the Minister not be aware of the use of more oil where native fuel could be used and of changes made within the last six months from native fuel to oil?
I have no knowledge of any hospital changing from the use of native fuel to oil. In case there are one or two, I have asked the Department of Health to let me know.
Would the Minister agree that neither his Department nor any other State Department has done anything in the last few years to encourage the production or use of native fuel?
No, I would not agree with that.
Is it possible that schools could change from the use of native fuel to oil without the Minister's Department knowing?
It is possible. They do not have to apply to me to change. They would presumably go to the Office of Public Works or the Department of Education—I do not know.
The Minister should know.