asked the Minister for Social Welfare the method which is used for calculating the length of the socalled heating season for the purposes of the free fuel scheme; whether the advice of the meteorological service is sought in the context of these calculations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Free Fuel Scheme.
14.
The question of rationalisation of the fuel schemes has been mooted for a number of years past and this year I decided to proceed with rationalisation on a phased basis. For the first time also 30,000 persons on long-term unemployment assistance living alone or with dependants are being included. As a result the number benefiting is increasing from some 188,000 to 218,000.
Additional funds were not available to finance this change so the increased number of beneficiaries have been accommodated by reducing the period for which fuel allowances will be granted in 1987-88 from 30 weeks to 26 weeks. In adopting this approach I was conscious of the need to provide this form of additional assistance to the long term unemployed. I also had regard to the fact that between 1942 and 1968 the fuel schemes then applying operated for a much shorter period, namely, from November to March each year. The present arrangements operate from 19 October 1987 to 15 April 1988 and data supplied by the Meteorological Office indicates that over a period average mean temperatures outside that period are significantly higher.