Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I agree that we cannot have a situation whereby the fuel allowance continues to be increased and extended for ever and ever. We need to make sure people's homes are warmer, which can be done through the retrofit programme highlighted by the Minister. It makes sure that people are warm in their homes in the first instance, which is really important.

My issue with leaving this to the supplementary welfare allowance and the exceptional or urgent needs schemes is the fact that we do not know the number of people who go to community welfare offices or Intreo centres to seek payments and are refused. All we know is the number of payments that are drawn down. How many people seek the payment but do not get it are not data we have in terms of the supplementary welfare allowance. That data could be greatly improved by examining all of that.

There is discretion with community welfare officers; some will make a payment and others will not. The St. Vincent de Paul have argued for a discretionary fund. I raised this matter with the Tánaiste a few weeks ago and he said it will be considered as part of the budget. Given the serious situation in terms of utility costs, we should examine this issue outside of the supplementary welfare allowance.

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