Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014
414. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given to increasing the fuel allowance payment and introducing other measures to guard against the risk of fuel poverty presented by the increase in the carbon tax in May 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8325/14]
View answerSome 410,000 customers will receive the fuel allowance of €20 per week for 26 weeks from October to April, at an estimated cost of €208 million in 2014. The fuel allowance is paid to those in receipt of long-term jobseekers allowance, one-parent family payment, disability allowance, invalidity pension and the State pension. The allowance is subject to a means test and is paid only to those who live alone or with certain exempted people.
The allowance is intended as a contribution to a person’s heating costs. It is not intended to meet those costs in full. My Department also pays an electricity or gas allowance as part of the household benefits package to 410,000 customers at an estimated cost of €230 million in 2014.
The best way to tackle fuel poverty in the long term is to improve the energy efficiency of the dwelling. My Department is currently working closely with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on these issues and in moving forward the actions agreed in the Energy Affordability Strategy.
The Better Energy Homes and the Better Energy Warmer Homes schemes are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland under the Better Energy Programme. The Better Energy Homes scheme provides support towards the installation of attic and wall insulation, and heating system upgrades including solar thermal with the works being undertaken by privately appointed contractors.
The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. Measures available include; draught proofing, attic insulation, lagging jackets for hot water tanks, low energy light bulbs and cavity wall insulation and are free of charge to the customer.
