John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Fuel poverty is a reality. That is not based merely on the anecdotal evidence of old-age pensioners trying to keep warm in public buildings across the State in the winter months; it is based on the evidence and on facts. The latest SILC report demonstrates that 29% of people living in consistent poverty are unable to keep their homes adequately warm. In January, I asked the Minister on the basis of numerous debates and submissions to her about the need to carry out a review of the fuel allowance payment within the Department. The payment is a key measure in addressing fuel poverty. The Minister replied to me that there was an issue with the incidence of fuel poverty. She further stated that while she was requested during the passage of the Social Welfare Bill to conduct an inquiry as to the changes the Government might make regarding social transfers, she could not agree to do so as it was not within the remit of her Department. However, she said she had found a back door to do what was sought to be achieved and would conduct the review over the next weeks with a view to examining the rates of payment and the periods of time during which they are made. The Minister said that it had to be acknowledged that the price of fuel had increased. Where is the review and can we see what was contained in it? What recommendations, more importantly, came out of it?

See this speech in context