Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. We will, of course, consider the point that he has made in regard to the commencement date of any changes that we make. As I said, for those in receipt of the fuel allowance, they will start to receive the benefit of that next week but there are many people who do not get the fuel allowance currently, given the eligibility criteria. It is a means-tested support and people are allowed a certain level of income above the basic social welfare, as the Deputy knows. There are many people who do not get it and, certainly, we acknowledge that the timing of any changes in respect of people's incomes will be particularly important and sensitive in the forthcoming budget, and we will be taking that into account.

See this speech in context