Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

I stand to be corrected.

The reduction in the qualifying period for fuel allowance from 32 to 26 weeks will effectively result in a cut of approximately €120 for people who are in receipt of the fuel allowance. This is at a time when the cost of heating homes is increasing — the price of oil and other fuels is increasing. These same people are expected to pay the household charge of an additional €100 meaning that the net loss in each of those households will be at least €220. Those with a septic tank will need to find another €50 to register. This means a cut of approximately €300 on the old and those who are in receipt of fuel allowance.