Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is one of the most progressive social protection announcements I have ever seen. It is a very positive move and could not have come at a better time. As we know, people are struggling with the cost of fuel. My office has been inundated with inquiries from people looking for information on this since the budget.

The Minister may recall that in advance of the budget I brought to her attention the case of a woman who worked hard all her life and had reared her family. Due to a small occupational pension, she was above the threshold for the fuel allowance. She will now qualify under the new threshold, which is very important to her and gives her huge security.

Based on the figures provided by the Minister, about 3,000 households in my constituency of Kerry will benefit from the scheme. That is an enormous number of people. It will provide people who are fearful in the current crisis of not being able to stay warm during the winter with great security. I thank the Minister and congratulate her on her efforts.

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