Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)

The Minister indicated that falling demand was one reason for his recent decision to divert some of the budget. What level of demand is apparent currently in terms of the quantum of applications on hand? Is the Minister minded to continue the scheme for the foreseeable future? Everyone is aware of the benefits of the scheme but the circumstances of some people will change and they might find themselves in a position where they will be able to avail of the scheme even though for various reasons they have not been able to do so to date. Will the scheme continue to exist in 2013 and 2014?

Is the Minister minded to continue the parallel scheme that is running for recipients of the fuel allowance? I do not recall the names of the agencies involved but in Limerick a body in Southill provides warmer homes funding for people who do not go through the SEAI scheme. They go through the social welfare route with the minimum criterion that they are in receipt of the fuel allowance.

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