asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will introduce a scheme to provide allowances towards the cost of domestic gas for social welfare recipients who would be eligible to avail themselves of the free electricity allowance if their houses were wired for electricity.

I shall look into the possibility of introducing a scheme of the kind suggested by the Deputy.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary in a position to give some indication when such a scheme might be introduced?

I should not like to commit myself to a date.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary endeavour to do it before the next budget?

As I have stated in my reply, I am looking into the matter.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary agree that the people concerned are worthy of help and that the suggestion deserves serious consideration?

Most suggestions and proposals made are worthy of serious consideration.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that the provision of domestic gas is most desirable, particularly for people living in mobile homes? Will he give the House an assurance that these people, whose number is not great, will get first priority when the scheme is being considered?

I think that is a different question. As I understand it, the Deputy is referring to mobile homes. I am not sure of the exact details but I understand that where it is not possible to give an electricity supply a scheme is operated by the Minister for Transport and Power and that a grant is available.