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

In response to Deputy Ring, regarding those aged under 70, I increased the threshold in the budget so that people can earn €200 on top of the contributory pension. People aged under 70 can earn up to €465 and still qualify for the fuel allowance. This Government did a lot in budget 2023 to assist people who need help with the cost of fuel. There was a budget package of €2.2 billion and a major expansion of the fuel allowance. There were also energy credits, which involved €400 being paid to all households in receipt of the fuel allowance payment last November. We also paid an earlier amount in April last year. There has been the provision of €1.3 billion in cost-of-living supports and eight different lump sums were paid before Christmas. There is now another cost-of-living package. There is an increase of €200 across the board for all long-term social welfare recipients. There was a €100 back-to-school allowance and €100 for anybody in receipt of child benefit. There have been a lot of supports. It is recognised that these supports are making a difference. The ESRI has said clearly that these lump sum payments are working.

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