asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware of the hardship and expense caused to recipients under the Cork Corporation cheap fuel scheme in having to have the fuel collected from depots; and whether he will in future permit the Corporation to place the contract for the supply of fuel on the basis of including delivery.

I am not aware that hardship and expense are caused to recipients under the Cork Corporation cheap fuel scheme in the collection of fuel from the depots. Accordingly, the second part of the question does not arise.

Did the Parliamentary Secretary ever see an old age pensioner carrying a bag of turf?

I have seen them hauling many a thing.

And that is not a hardship?

Question 23 postponed