Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. The Government is acutely aware of the impact recent increases in global energy prices are having on households, and the urgent need to support people to stay warm in their homes this winter. We look up the weather every day. Thankfully, it is not as cold as it often it is at this time of year. A €2.4 billion package of supports was implemented in 2022, and a package of once-off measures worth €2.5 billion was included in budget 2023. The budget package includes the electricity costs emergency benefit scheme, through which €550, exclusive of VAT, is credited to each domestic electricity account in three payments. This will happen in November and December 2022 and in January-February and March-April 2023. The cost of the scheme is estimated at €1.2 billion. In addition to that scheme, there are many other supports such as the €400 lump sum for those in receipt of the fuel allowance; a €200 lump sum for pensioners and people with disabilities getting the living-alone allowance; and a €500 cost-of-living lump sum to all families getting the working family payment. The double payment of child benefit will support all families with children. A €500 cost-of-living payment will be paid in November to people in receipt of the carer's support grant. A €500 cost-of-living disability support grant will be paid to all people in receipt of a long-term disability payment. We are acutely aware that it is a very difficult time for everybody, given the increase in costs. I hope that in the coming weeks and months, the costs will come back to a level we can all live with.