Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)

The fuel issue is the most serious to be faced by the Minister in the budget. A failure on his part to substantially increase the fuel allowance, rather than merely tinkering at its edges, will leave him with a regrettable legacy. All Members know that fuel poverty is one of the biggest issues facing our elderly, particularly given the escalating price of fuel. I refer to the absolutely scandalous increases in oil, electricity and gas prices that must be borne by people, particularly by the elderly. How did the Minister's Inspector Clouseaus manage to find the 237 people who were living in such accommodation in Dublin and the south east? Does the Minister realise that savings of only €1,500 per week are being made in consequence? Moreover, such people pay €6 per week towards their fuel, regardless of whether they use it. They pay €6 for 52 weeks of the year, which comes to €312 per year. However, the Minister's Department only gives them some €260 per annum. Hence, the Minister has caused them to be a great deal worse off.

This is the season of Advent and earlier today, I observed the lighting of the Leinster House Christmas trees. The few miserable shillings taken from the people affected would not pay for the electricity used to light the Christmas trees around the Houses today.

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