Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2014
543. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to put back in place a larger heating allowance for persons who are vulnerable, cold and in need of the assistance (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13920/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraSome 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 allowance is intended as a contribution to a person’s heating costs. It is not intended to meet those costs in full.
The 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. It is possible to receive both the fuel allowance and the household benefits package giving customers €940 per annum towards their energy costs.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, Departmental staff have some discretion in issuing exceptional needs payments to help meet an essential, once-off cost which customers are unable to meet within their own resources; this may include exceptional heating costs. This discretion must be exercised in a reasonable way, having regard to all the circumstances of the case. In 2013, €1.2 million was issued for exceptional needs payments related to electricity and gas bills.
In addition, over 2,200 customers received a special heating supplement, paid to assist people with special heating needs because of ill health or infirmity.
The best way to tackle fuel poverty in the long term, as noted in the Government’s Energy Affordability Strategy, is to improve the energy efficiency of the dwelling. The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland 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.
