Mr. R?n?n Hession:

The first question was about the terms of the expansion of the scheme and what the uptake has been. At the time, which was October 2022, we had approximately 369,000 on the scheme. We are now at approximately 418,000. That is an increase of between 48,000 and 49,000 in the intervening period. It can be seen in the briefing notes we gave to the committee that the figure has oscillated between 365,000 and 375,000. It stayed reasonably stable and has had an uptick since we expanded the means test. That relates to some extent to his second question about whether we would consider half rate or a step down to a lower rate of fuel allowance when you go over the threshold rather than a dead cut off. We keep these things under review in the context of the budget. If the committee has any view on that the Minister would certainly give it consideration.