Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In case some people did not hear my earlier response, I reiterate that the Government has introduced the energy credit which effects everybody the Deputy has spoken about. The lump sum of €125 for the fuel allowance will be paid to 390,000 people. That scheme has already been extended by a number of weeks. There will be a temporary reduction in public transport fares and many, though not all, of the people the Deputy has referred to have free travel passes. Those who have to pay for public transport will benefit from the 20% reduction in the cost of fares. Any people who do not have a medical card will benefit from reduced costs under the drugs payment scheme in terms of what they must pay the pharmacy. The working family payment budget increase has recently been brought forward from 1 June to 1 April. That was a budget day measure that, under the Social Welfare Act, was intended to come in on 1 June. We have already brought that increase forward because it helps working families with children. That is one of the most important benefits we have introduced to the system. There has also been a reduction in the cost of school transport.

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