Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I will look at the deserted wife's benefit that she has raised. On the fuel allowance, two pensioners over age 66 can receive up to €600 per week and qualify for that allowance; a couple under 66 can receive an income of €542 per week and qualify for it. I take the Deputy's point on deserted wife's benefit. The scheme has been closed and it is a smaller number of people. I will look at that.

Going back to the urgent needs payments, it can be made.

My officials here have told community welfare officers to look at this. We can provide flexibility because if there are exceptional or urgent needs payments, nobody wants to see anybody going without. That is the bottom line. We are here to help people and are doing that across the length and breadth of the country. If there is any particular case where it is felt that somebody did not get what he or she was entitled to, if it is brought to my attention I will be happy to look into it. We will certainly do everything we can because I know there are challenges out there.