Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will finish my earlier reply. The scheme conditions include only one fuel allowance per household; satisfying a means test; and satisfying the household composition test. We do not have a breakdown of exactly why people are refused, but it is for one of those three reasons. Someone will not receive the payment if he or she does not satisfy the means test or if there is a fuel allowance payment already going to the household. The composition of the household used to be a reason for refusal as well. However, we have changed the household benefits package for single adult pensioners who have another adult living with them. That will be changed in this budget.

In fairness, the Government is doing much do deal with energy poverty. We are committed to protecting vulnerable households from the impact of energy costs. I do not agree with the Deputy's statement regarding carbon taxes. The increase of €56 in the fuel allowance this year will more than compensate for the €45 increase in costs to households on the three lowest deciles. We will address people experiencing fuel poverty in a variety of ways over the next number of years, both collectively as a society and as part of Government policy.

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