asked the Minister for Social Welfare the present position for the delivery of free fuel to eligible persons in (a) urban; and (b) rural areas.

The delivery of fuel under the cheap fuel schemes which operate in certain towns and cities is a matter for the individual local authorities concerned with those schemes. My Department do not have responsibility for delivery of fuel nor does the grant from the Exchequer towards the cost of those schemes cover delivery charges.

Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, health boards occasionally provide fuel instead of cash payments and this fuel is usually delivered by the health boards to the recipients.

51.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the steps which have been taken to liberalise the application of the free fuel scheme in the cases of flatdwellers and other senior citizens in similar conditions whose heating systems do not permit the use of solid fuel.

Under the existing cheap fuel scheme to which the Deputy refers only solid fuel is provided. I have had a report made on the operation of this scheme and the report is at present under examination in my Department.

I should mention that a certain amount of free electricity is provided to many pensioners under the free electricity allowance scheme. I should also like to point out that assistance may be provided for persons who have exceptional heating needs under the supplementary welfare allowances scheme.