John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister gave a very thorough overview of the legislation and convention yesterday so I will not dwell on too many points. The figures given by the Minister today and yesterday show how important it is that there is certainty and a seamless transition through very uncertain times for everyone.

I will home in on one area, namely, the provision relating to overlapping. I have some concerns that I hope the Minister will be able to allay. She would be aware that in 2012, a European Court of Justice ruling allowed people who had worked in the UK to avail of the winter fuel payment. I think approximately 132,000 people are eligible to apply for the British winter fuel payment, which can range from £100 up to £300. Certainly it is a very important payment for those people. That ruling did not stop people also qualifying for the Irish fuel allowance. I am seeking clarity regarding this overlapping. I read through the document and there is no specific mention anywhere of the winter fuel payment. Can the Minister clarify whether overlapping will do away with that so that people will only be able to qualify for one payment, be it the Irish fuel allowance or the British winter fuel payment? A bit of clarity would be helpful.