asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the arrangements for this year in connection with the free meat scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Free Meat Scheme.
104.
The EC free food scheme for 1988 covers:
(a) homeless persons in hostels and shelters run by voluntary organisations. These organisations are being supplied with quantities of both beef and butter based on their needs to end December 1988.
(b) certain social welfare recipients, i.e.: recipients of long-term unemployment assistance who qualify for the fuel allowance; recipients of long-term supplementary welfare allowance; and FÁS trainees who qualify for the fuel allowance.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul have agreed to operate the scheme in so far as the eligible social welfare recipients are concerned, to whom beef will be distributed. Vouchers, which can be redeemed at the local St. Vincent de Paul depot, will be issued automatically to eligible categories through the employment exchanges and community welfare officers. Distribution under this scheme will commence as soon as processing has been completed.