Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will respond first to the issue concerning local authorities. We will raise the issue with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, and perhaps he will take it up with them or we could directly contact the local authority concerned.

As Deputy Bríd Smith said, we did increase the fuel allowance and €3.50 extra has been paid from January. The supplementary welfare allowance is available for people who find themselves in difficulty. If people are in trouble and they cannot pay their fuel bill, they should contact their local Intreo office and assistance will be made available to them. People have to explain their circumstances and the case will be discussed but the support is there for those who genuinely need it.

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