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

As I said, in this year's budget I increased the means threshold by €20 to €120 above the appropriate contributory State pension. That has benefited more people. More than 400,000 families benefit from the fuel allowance. There will always be people who, unfortunately, fall each side of the criteria. Those in need can seek assistance from their local community welfare officers. They are there to help people who are in difficulty by way of the essential needs payment or the urgent needs payment. People can seek that assistance. Anybody who is experiencing difficulty should seek the assistance of the local community welfare officer.

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