As this question is in the name of Deputy Treacy, if he wants to frame a relevant question he may do so.

On Question No. 3, can the Minister say if there has been any indication to relax these guidelines in view of the inclement weather this year? Can he tell me why people living miles from their families are being refused free fuel on the grounds that their families have the responsibility to provide this free fuel?

The regulations are quite clear. I have explained the way in which they are operated by the health boards. If the Deputy has any particular case in mind and provides details, we will ask the relevant health board to have a look at it.

Have the Minister and the Department taken cognisance of the fact that we have had probably the worst summer in years and as a consequence the turf crop was exceedingly bad? All the Minister needs to do is look at Bord na Móna's results this year. Many poor people as a result of the bad weather had to use their reserves of fuel——

That is argument.

It is an argument that is clearly answered by events which have taken place——

It is so obviously that.

In view of the most unusual circumstances of the bad weather and the poor turf crop, will the Department take cognisance of that and increase the fuel allowance and the degree of flexibility allowed in assessing eligibility for this allowance?

I said in my original reply that persons in rural areas in receipt of such payments who have been unable to save turf because of the bad weather can qualify under the scheme.

Question No. 4.

A Cheann Comhairle——

I am moving on to the next question.

This is a very serious question.

I am moving on to the next question. Will the Minister please answer Question No. 4?

On a point of order, does the Ceann Comhairle think that is fair to the people who put down oral questions which are of relevance to several thousand people in this country?