Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 July 2023
131. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department will ensure that households that have accumulated significant debts, including arrears on bills and on prepayment meters, have access to sufficient support to avoid a long-term legacy of indebtedness and reduced financial resilience; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33193/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Social Protection has an important role in supporting those who are most vulnerable in society.It is important to note that the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities is running a public campaign informing people of their rights if they are struggling with utility payments. It also notifies people that providers are willing and obliged to work with them on a payment plan.From a Department of Social Protection perspective, the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, provides, where necessary, Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income such as arrears that have accumulated on energy bills and on prepay meters.Government has provided €66 million for the Additional Needs Payment schemes and €3.27 million for reoccurring supplements in 2023. This is a demand-led scheme with no budget cap. Payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme who will consider all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance. This assistance is available to anyone who needs it, even to those who are working but on a low income.In response to the on-going cost-of-living pressures, Budget 2023, saw the largest Social Protection package in the history of the state at a total of €2.2 billion. Some €1.2 billion of this package was targeted to provide a wide range of lump-sum payments to alleviate the cost of living pressures. These measures included a €400 Lump Sum Fuel Allowance Payment that was made to all households receiving the Fuel Allowance, a €200 Spring Bonus was paid to all long-term social welfare recipients at the end of April 2023 and a significant expansion of the Fuel Allowance Scheme that focused on supporting older people over 70 was implemented.Government has provided an enhanced electricity credit of €600 which has benefited Bill and Prepay meter users alike.Persistent difficulty with indebtedness can be helped through budgetary advice from the Money Advice and Budgeting Service. While this engagement is not a pre-condition for receipt of assistance, the service provides impartial advice and expertise to help people manage money and take control of debt.I would encourage any person on a low income who needs assistance with bills to engage with their provider to agree a suitable repayment plan, and, where necessary, to contact their local community welfare service.There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office. In addition, applications can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
