Déirdre de Búrca (Green Party)

Age Action Ireland asked that the Government would ensure proper measures are put in place in anticipation of these price rises and that the next budget might look at the issue of fuel allowance for older persons to match the increases in energy bills. Age Action Ireland proposed that energy providers could play their part in easing hardship for pensioners by deferring any increased charges until after the budget to complement what the Government can do, and also that energy providers should work to promote weekly payment schemes for low-income customers to help them to budget for the increased cost of fuel during the winter.

Age Action Ireland also expressed some concern about the fair deal legislation. It pointed out that although the legislation is being prepared for the past 18 months, as an organisation it has not been consulted. I ask the Minister of State, Deputy Hoctor, to indicate whether that might happen.