Pat Carey
Question:878 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she plans to extend the period fuel allowance is paid. [11723/04]
View answerTuesday, 27 April 2004
Questions (813, 814)
Written answers
The national fuel scheme aims to assist householders in receipt of long-term social welfare or health board payments and are unable to provide fully for their heating needs. A fuel allowance payment of €9 per week is paid to eligible households. An additional €3.90 per week is paid in smokeless zones. The total amount paid is €12.90 per week.
The fuel allowances represent a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses. Many households also qualify for electricity and gas allowances.
The duration of payment was increased from 26 weeks to 29 weeks in April 2001. The means test was eased with effect from October of that year and the rate of fuel allowance was increased by 42% in January 2002.
A change in the scheme is a matter for consideration in a budgetary context. Significant increases in recent years in primary social welfare payment rates, such as the old age pension, have also improved the income for people dependent on the social welfare system. Primary payment rates are payable for the full 52 weeks of the year and hence increases benefit a wide range of recipients.
Question No. 879 answered with QuestionNo. 855.
Question No. 880 answered with QuestionNo. 876.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:881 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent allowance will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [11789/04]
View answerThe South Western Area Health Board has advised that the person concerned made inquiries about rent supplement at her local health centre. She was given the appropriate application forms. To date no formal application has been received by the board.
If the person concerned submits a completed application form to her local health centre it will be considered. Her circumstances will be taken into account.