Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 March 2018
248. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the value of duration of the fuel allowance will be increased in view of the recent cold weather; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10535/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe fuel allowance is a payment of €22.50 per week for 27 weeks from October to April, to over 338,000 low income households, at an estimated cost of €227 million in 2018. 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.
In October 2017, I introduced the option for qualified households to receive their fuel allowance payment in two lump sums - in October and in January. This allows people to buy fuel in bulk and potentially avail of special offers or discounts on the purchase of the particular fuel that meets their specific needs.
In Budget 2018, I increased the duration of the fuel allowance season by one week to 27 weeks. This is clearly longer than the winter period in Ireland, and provides assistance during what are largely colder weeks, when heating costs are expected to be at their highest. The current fuel allowance season will, therefore run to the first week in April.
Given the severity of the weather in recent days, last week I announced that all people in receipt of the Fuel Allowance will receive an extra payment of €22.50 in respect of this week.
This is to ensure our customers can be safe and warm at this time. The additional payment will be paid automatically during the week commencing 12th March and will bring Fuel Allowance payment to €45 that week. The extra payment of €22.50 will also be paid to those who have received the Fuel Allowance in lump sum payments.
Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, exceptional needs payments may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which customers are unable to meet out of their own resources and this may include exceptional heating costs.
The best way to tackle fuel poverty in the long term is to improve the energy efficiency of the dwelling. My Department works closely with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment to help identify people in energy poverty who are living with chronic respiratory conditions so they can avail of the Warmth and Well-being Scheme which aims to make homes warmer and healthier to live in.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
