Fuel Prices

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2021

Thursday, 7 October 2021

Questions (24, 83, 89, 93)

Thomas Gould

Question:

24. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to expand the fuel allowance given the significant increases in fuel prices. [48661/21]

Dara Calleary

Question:

83. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons availing of the fuel allowance; her plans to widen eligibility for the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48635/21]

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

89. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if consideration will be given to increasing the fuel allowance in Budget 2022 as a result of rising energy prices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48519/21]

Paul Murphy

Question:

93. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection her views on whether eligibility for the fuel allowance should be expanded given the increases in electricity prices and carbon tax. [48554/21]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

I propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 83, 89 and 93 together.

The Fuel Allowance is a payment of €28.00 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €784 each year) from October to April, to over 370,000 low income households, at an estimated cost of €300 million in 2021. 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.My Department also pays an electricity or gas allowance under the household benefits scheme at an estimated cost of €195 million in 2021. The criteria for fuel allowance are framed in order to direct the limited resources available to my Department in as targeted a manner as possible. All recipients of non-contributory payments are accepted as satisfying the means-test for fuel. People who are in receipt of a qualifying contributory payment must also satisfy a means test. Any extension of the fuel allowance scheme or increase in the weekly amount can only be considered while taking account of the overall budgetary context and the availability of financial resources.This year funds raised through the carbon tax will again support targeted social welfare and other initiatives to alleviate fuel poverty and ensure a just transition. In this regard, in the forthcoming budget, the Government will consider how it can support people on low incomes and those on social welfare payments. Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme a special heating supplement may be paid to assist people in certain circumstances. Exceptional needs payments may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which an applicant is unable to meet from his / her own resources. I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputies.