The fuel allowance is a payment of €22.50 per week for 27 weeks from October to April, to over 365,000 low income households, at an estimated cost of €227 million in 2018. The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs. The allowance represents a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. It is not intended to meet those costs in full. Only one allowance is paid per household.
Given the severity of the weather I announced that all people in receipt of the fuel allowance will receive an extra payment of €22.50 during the week commencing 12th March and will bring Fuel Allowance payment to €45 that week. The extra payment of €22.50 will also be paid to those who have received the Fuel Allowance in lump sum payments.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.