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

We are spending over €323 million on the fuel allowance and €195 million on the gas and electricity allowance. That is a considerable amount of money. For those who have problems, as I said, there is an exceptional needs payment available under the supplementary welfare allowance from the community welfare officer for heating costs. The fund is uncapped. As it is demand-led, it can run to €5 million, €10 million or €20 million. We pay where a need is identified. I cannot get into individual cases but that fund is there specifically for that purpose. If people run into difficulties, they can seek assistance from the community welfare officer.

On the number of people that has been assisted, we have changed the means test. We do not know whether 7,000, 10,000 or 20,000 people will benefit because we do not know how many are going to apply. If they qualify, my Department will make sure they get paid. I would encourage people to apply for the fuel allowance. They may be marginal and they may qualify for it.

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