asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of people who benefited under the free fuel scheme to date this year; the number who were refused; and if he will give the equivalent figures for the last four years.
Written Answers. - Free Fuel Scheme.
308.
Information regarding the number of recipients under the urban and national fuel schemes in the current season is not yet available from the local authorities and health boards, who administer the schemes.
The numbers of recipients in the last four years are as follows:—
|
Heating Season |
Number of Recipients |
|
|
Urban Fuel Scheme |
National Fuel Scheme |
|
|
1981-82 |
56,593 |
84,935 |
|
1982-83 |
59,323 |
93,813 |
|
1983-84 |
59,483 |
97,747 |
|
1984-85 |
62,594 |
106,111* |
*Provisional.
Statistics of numbers refused under the national fuel scheme are not supplied by the health boards. In the case of the urban schemes the question of refusal does not arise as entitlement is based on the receipt of certain social welfare payments.