Despite the enlightened position which he adopted in regard to the voucher scheme would the Minister accept that the amount of the voucher is decreasing almost daily in value? For example, is the Minister taking into consideration the recently announced increase in the cost of electricity and would he be willing to either index link the voucher or simply increase it?

The increase in the cost of electricity does not affect the free electricity scheme which is based on the number of units. The price may vary but the number of units is still the same.

I want to ask the Minister about the voucher, which is worth £1.50. The enormous amount of money expended on the turf scheme prior to the introduction of the voucher would seem to allow a little latitude which without extra cost to the Exchequer would enable the Minister to increase the voucher quite significantly. I suspect that the voucher scheme is saving quite a bit of money.

No.

Would the Minister be willing to increase it?

We hope to have a fairly comprehensive approach to heating needs. First, there will be the voucher. The Deputy will realise that we have added £1 per week to all social welfare payments for the winter period which will also help. In addition, in the city, Dublin Corporation and the Eastern Health Board will keep fuel depots in operation to meet any particular requirements. Voluntary organisations will have access to fuel supplies where necessary. I have asked the corporation and the health board to lay in supplies of blankets, electric fires and various heating equipment of that kind and have these available. As a last resort there is always the supplementary welfare scheme. I think the preparations we have made should meet the situation this winter. We can only hope that it will not be as severe as last winter.