asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the first free fuel vouchers under the national fuel scheme have been issued in each health board area; and, if not, when it is proposed to do so.

The national fuel scheme is administered by the area health board and each board make their own arrangements for issuing the allowance either by voucher or by cheque. The general practice among the boards is for the allowance to be paid in two or three instalments during the heating season, and I understand that a first issue of allowances for the 1983-84 season has now been made in all health board areas.