Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change) | Oireachtas source

I also support Cara and her call for the optional protocol of the UNCRPD to be ratified. I ask the Tánaiste to do that before the end of this Dáil's term.

I want to follow up on an email I received from a constituent about the fact that the fuel allowance has not increased since 2020. Between 2020 and 2022, household energy bills more than doubled, totally eroding the efficiency of these targeted supports. The energy allowances now barely cover standing charges. In that time, we saw those living in energy poverty rise to levels as high as 40%. While universal energy credits can assist many people, what is needed is an increase in the targeted energy supports, which have been almost totally eroded in the past four years, as there were no increases. Does the Tánaiste agree that the fuel allowance does not meet the needs of the people who receive it? Does he agree that the fuel allowance should be extended to those on the working family payment?

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