Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Unfortunately, the budget is not agreed yet so I cannot tell the Deputy whether there will be something in it on the fuel allowance. It is worth pointing out that, in the budget for this year, the fuel allowance was increased from €20 to €22.50 per week, an increase of more than 10%. Exceptional needs payments can be paid in special circumstances. It is also worth pointing out that fuel costs are falling at a significant rate. According to the CSO's latest figures, the cost of electricity has gone down by 6.1% in the last 12 months, gas by 2.4% and home heating oil by 13.5%. The cost of fuel is going down this year and the fuel allowance has gone up. Obviously, one would hope that we will continue in the same direction next year, but I cannot guarantee that at this stage.

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