Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2004
118 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to extend the duration of the national fuel scheme; and her further plans to improve the weekly payment to eligible applicants, in particular to the elderly. [4002/04]
View answerThe aim of the national fuel scheme is to assist householders who are in receipt of long-term social welfare or health board payments and who are unable to provide fully for their own heating needs.
The smokeless fuel allowance was introduced in October 1990, to assist people with the additional costs arising from the ban on the sale of bituminous coal in certain designated areas. A fuel allowance payment of €9 per week is paid to eligible households while an additional €3.90 per week is paid in smokeless zones, bringing the total amount in those areas to €12.90 per week. These payments are made for the duration of the fuel season which lasts for 29 weeks.
The fuel allowances represent a contribution towards a person's normal heating and lighting expenses. In addition many households also qualify for electricity and gas allowances. There is also a facility available through the supplementary welfare allowance scheme to assist people in certain circumstances who have special heating needs.
The fuel allowance scheme has been improved in recent years. The means test has been eased and the duration of payment increased from 26 weeks to 29 weeks. From January 2002 the payment rate was increased to €9. The question of further improvements in the fuel allowance schemes would have to be considered in a budgetary context. The significant increases in recent budgets in primary social welfare payment rates, such as the old age pension, have also improved the income position for people dependent on the social welfare system. Primary payment rates are payable for the full 52 weeks of the year and increases in these rates benefit a wider range of recipients.
