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

I understand and acknowledge that the fuel allowance is there and that it helps many families but I am asking about families in low-income work in particular but also middle-income households given the crisis in regard to rising fuel costs. In the last year, there have been 35 price hikes by providers. On average, households will be paying between €500 and €600 more this winter. I acknowledge the changes that were made in the budget to the fuel allowance and to the eligibility. However, according to a recent reply to a parliamentary question, they will benefit only 7,800 households, which is not a lot in the grand scheme of things and the 369,000 recipients given the crisis we face when it comes to energy costs.

My question is in regard to those outside of the fuel allowance. I genuinely welcome that the Minister has made that move such that a particular cohort of people will not have to wait until January but I would welcome an update in respect of those outside of the fuel allowance.

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