asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if, in view of the scarcity of fuel in rural areas, he is prepared to extend the free fuel scheme to needy persons in such areas on the same basis as the scheme is applied in borough areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Fuel Schemes.
There was a shortage of fuel in some portions of the country during the recent severe period of frost but the shortage was due not to the scarcity of fuel but rather to difficulties of distribution. The information in my Department indicates that the position was met in several areas by county council turf being placed at the disposal of fuel merchants on a replacement basis. The shortage was of temporary duration. It is not the least of the advantages that ensue from the production of county council turf that these bodies can apply some of their reserve stocks to meet any emergency situation that may arise.
As regards the latter part of the question, there is no intention of extending the fuel scheme which is in operation in certain towns in the non-turf areas to rural areas generally. If there are needy persons in rural areas who are unable to provide the fuel they require from their own resources, then it is a matter for the public assistance authority to afford assistance to such persons as the circumstances would warrant.