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

The important thing to say about the supplementary welfare allowance is that it is demand-led. There are no limits on it. If people qualify under the criteria set out, they will get their payments. The exceptional needs payments scheme is also, as the Deputy knows, demand-led. As a result, the level of expenditure of the schemes changes over time.

I am saying very clearly that people who have a problem paying their bills and are in difficulty should go to an Intreo office and submit an application under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. That is what it is there for; that is its purpose. We will continue to fund it, as I said. We do not want anybody not being able to heat their houses. As we face into winter, many people are concerned about bills. I understand that. That particular fund is there to support people.

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