asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he intends to increase the value of fuel vouchers.

I am at present considering the arrangements for the fuel schemes in the season commencing next October and the value of the weekly allowance is one of the matters under review. I hope to make an announcement on the matter at an early date.

Could the Minister say if he intends to have a single scheme in operation next winter?

I would certainly prefer to see a single unified scheme in operation. The current schemes are most unsatisfactory and I am working on them in an effort to bring in a single uniform scheme with uniform criteria of eligibility. I hope that by the 1984 Estimates there will be a single scheme in operation with appropriate Estimate provision.

Could the Minister give the estimated out-turn of costings for the scheme last season and the total number accommodated?

I have not that information here but I shall get it for the Deputy.

Is the Minister aware that many of these vouchers are not sent out until late in the winter? The year before last some of them were not sent out until after the snow blizzard in February. Will he ensure that the vouchers are available at the beginning of October?

I shall certainly endeavour to have that done. There has been a variety of methods of administration. Some health boards issue the allowance in cheque rather than voucher form. I am not happy about it. I think the whole thing is wrong and, bearing in mind that there is a limited amount of money, there should be a better scheme in operation.

Is there difficulty in administering the scheme?

There should not be.

Question No. 7 deals with the value of the vouchers. It now seems to be developing into a general discussion on policy.

8.