Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
810. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection how many people received the fuel allowance in each of the years 2021, 2022 and 2023; the cost of the scheme in each of these years; the details of any improvements being considered for this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15334/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fuel Allowance is a payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) from late September to April, at an estimated cost of €382 million in 2024. The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs. Only one allowance is paid per household.
While the Departments schemes are reviewed on an ongoing basis any further expansion or improvements to the scheme can only be considered while taking account of the overall policy and budgetary situation.
In Budget 2024, the Government did provide for increases to core Social Welfare payments including increases to the weekly rate of State Pension payable, as well as once off payments of €200 for those in receipt of the Living Alone Increase and €300 for those in receipt of the Fuel Allowance payment. Budget 2024 also provided for the Christmas Bonus payment and January Cost of Living Bonus payment.
The records of the Departments indicate that the number of households in receipt of the Fuel Allowance payment and the cost to the State over the previous 3 years is as follows:-
|
Year |
No. of Recipients |
Yearly Cost |
|
2021 |
374,861 |
€316 million |
|
2022 |
393,769 |
€576 million |
|
2023 |
411,395 |
€502 million |
The number of recipients is based on the end of December figure for each year requested. The increase in costs for 2022 and 2023 relate to additional lump sum payments made to customers in receipt of Fuel Allowance in those years. The 2023 spend on Fuel Allowance is a provisional figure.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
