Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I have addressed the issue of carers and we will produce the carers strategy. I do not propose to accept the amendment. Regarding the fuel issue, at the time budget submissions were made fuel prices were at the highest level ever and they are now at the lowest in 20 years, so now is a good time to buy. Pensioners in particular were glad of the two week extension, which ensures the fuel allowance is received from the end of September until, I hope, the beginning of the warmer weather. It is paid for 32 weeks.

There is also the household benefits package. The price of gas and electricity might rise but that does not affect household benefits because the State will pick up the extra payment for that as the pensioners receive units rather than a particular amount. Approximately 300, 000 people benefit from the fuel allowance scheme at a cost of €170 million. Next year it will cost more than €200 million. The electricity and gas allowance costs €170 million and benefits 358,000 people.

It is very costly to support people with fuel but it should also be seen in the context of better housing stock and central heating being installed in new council homes, warmer homes improvement schemes and other activities designed to support people.