asked the Minister for Social Welfare the proposals, if any, for the improvement of the present fuel voucher scheme.

A number of improvements were introduced in my Department's heating assistance arrangements from October last and when the present schemes end in April I will consider what further improvements may be desirable and feasible.

Would the Minister include two old age pensioners living together in his new proposals because it seems very unfair that such old age pensioners are not entitled to free fuel?

I will take that into consideration.

In view of the criticism of that scheme and the low level of payments last winter, can the Minister give an assurance that there will be a more uniform and better financed fund available in time for the winter of 1981?

I am very anxious to comply with the Deputy's request. Last year saw a big breakthrough in principle and I would like to see that principle developed considerably in the coming year.

Last year saw the fuel voucher increased to £1.50 but since then there has been an increase of 70p in the price of bottled gas which is used widely by old age pensioners.

These factors will have to be taken into consideration when the assessments are being decided before the next session.

The House would like to see the scheme announced and in operation before next winter.

I would also be very anxious to see the scheme in operation in good time for next winter.

The scheme which came into operation last winter had been intended for the previous winter and it was 18 months before it came into operation.