asked the Minister for Social Welfare if, in view of the continued cold weather, he will extend the free fuel scheme.

The cheap fuel scheme officially came to an end on 30 April this year, as in previous years. As some holders of vouchers in the Dublin area had not exchanged their vouchers by that date Dublin Corporation continued to meet its commitments to them up to 12 May.

37.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the changes, if any, proposed in the cheap fuel scheme, in the coming autumn.

As I have already stated in reply to similar questions the report of the working group which I set up to carry out a review of the cheap fuel scheme and heating services generally for the needy is at present under examination in my Department.

Can the Minister give an undertaking that the improved scheme will be in operation before next winter?

That is my intention.

Will that be the position?

That is my intention and I shall endeavour to see that it is.

Is the Minister aware that when a Dublin Corporation subcommittee was set up to study the scheme and present a report to the Minister they found that, by the time the recommendation had come forward, they were too late for the winter season? Would the Minister agree that the same thing will happen again unless effective measures are taken to have the report furnished to the Minister very quickly?

I am doing my best.