Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

It is obvious that the fuel prices are impacting on everybody; individuals at home, industry, community facilities and schools, and on the Irish economy, as it is on the world economy. The cost of fuel is to the forefront of the Government's discussions. I have had initial discussions with the Minister for Finance, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on the impact of the increase in fuel costs, especially on social welfare recipients. The best way to ensure adequate heat for people is not just through a funding mechanism, we want to ensure also that houses are efficient at conserving energy. Much work is going on between the various Departments and perhaps that should be better promoted so that people are aware of what is available to them.

The Government's approach in recent years has been to increase social welfare payments generally to ensure that people have enough money to meet their basic needs every week, including heating. Increases have featured in all of today's questions. I accept that the draw on that money for heating this year is probably greater than in any other year. We increased the fuel allowance payment by one week this year and that issue can continue to be examined, as can the amount. It is a costly scheme. It would cost approximately €9 million to increase it by €1. To increase it by a week would cost €5.6 million and to give the fuel allowance all year round would cost €123 million extra. As Deputy Morgan indicated, given the weather we currently have, people might need heat even during mid-summer.

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