asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the appalling conditions prevailing in wet weather at the New Street fuel dump operated by the Dublin Board of Assistance, as a result of which persons drawing fuel on voucher therefrom can only do so by walking through several inches of mud, and if, in view of the hardship occasioned to many infirm and aged people, he will recommend to the Dublin Board of Assistance that this condition of affairs ought to be promptly remedied.

The Dublin Board of Assistance is the body responsible for the distribution of fuel under the cheap fuel scheme in Dublin and the board maintains the depot mentioned by the Deputy. I am informed that conditions at the New Street depot are now reasonably satisfactory and I have asked the board of assistance to ensure as far as possible that there will be no further cause for complaint.