Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)

That is a pleasant change. There has been much talk in the media recently about the significant increase in fuel costs and its impact on business, rightly so. However, there has not been the same focus on the impact of rising fuel costs, especially on older people and families with lower incomes. Does the Minister accept that the impact of the increased fuel costs on those categories of people has been significant? If one looks at the weather today and for the past week, it is evident that the Irish summer has changed. Does the Minister accept that the poor summer weather strengthens the case for the extension of the scheme? There was no increase in the scheme in last year's budget. Does the Minister accept there is a need to increase the fuel allowance due to the significant impact on the health of older people? If additional fuel allowance is not provided then the Minister for Health and Children will have to expend more money to treat such people in hospital. Does the Minister accept in the first instance that there is a difficulty with people meeting their fuel bills? Perhaps I will ask a supplementary question following the Minister's reply.

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