Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change)
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Yes, the Minister covered a lot of it. However, let us say we do not get that energy bonus next year, that the Government does not offer it. An increase in the €35 a month now over the next winter period would be worth more than the bonus payments if it was in that fuel part of the household package, and it would be more consistent for people. That is the point I continuously make. While the once-off payments are welcome, they are not dealing with the basic payments people rely on over the winter period, like this and the fuel allowance.

I refer to the working family payment.

We see more people in work who see deprivation and consistent poverty. I will not go through what the energy prices were before. The energy companies are still making profits and people are feeling the brunt of those energy costs. It is really important that the fuel allowance be extended. How many people on the working family payment do we have? Does the Minister have a figure for that?