Vol. 297 No. 1
andMr. Gogan asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the increasing number of complaints regarding the distribution of turf under the free fuel scheme, he will institute an inquiry with a view to the elimination of irregularities and abuses pending the formulation of a more rational alternative.
16.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will have an investigation instituted into the operation of the free fuel scheme in Dublin with a view to effecting some improvement in the scheme to the benefit of the recipients.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 16 together.
The operation of the cheap fuel scheme, including arrangements for the delivery of fuel, is a matter for the individual local authorities concerned and not for my Department.
If, however, the Deputies have information about particular irregularities or abuses, I will be glad to bring this to the notice of the local authorities concerned if I am given the details.
I appreciate what the Parliamentary Secretary says on the matter and he has seen the position as it exists. Would he not summon a conference of the Dublin local authorities at least, the health board and the corporation to see if the scheme can be improved with Government help? I know from personal experience that he will agree that it is not all it should be at the moment, and some vital steps must be taken to make it a little better.
As the Deputy is probably aware, I did discuss this with a deputation from Dublin Corporation some time ago and I pointed out then—and the facts have not changed —that all the difficulties arising from the operation of the scheme would seem to lie in the area of delivery. Some local authorities have accepted responsibility for delivery. Dún Laoghaire, for instance, is one. In those circumstances there seems to be very little, if any, complaint or dissatisfaction with the operation of the scheme. There is nothing to stop Dublin Corporation from operating the scheme in the way they deem to be most efficient, effective and satisfactory from the point of view of the recipients.
