Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 301: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on increasing the amount of ESB units available to old age pensioners for the period September to April of each year to take into account the increase in electricity charges and the usage during this period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7742/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The household benefits package, which comprises the electricity and gas allowance, telephone allowance and television licence schemes, is generally available to people living permanently in the State, aged 66 years or over, who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who satisfy a means test. The package is also available to carers and people with disabilities under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments. People aged over 70 years of age can qualify regardless of their income or household composition. The electricity allowance covers normal standing charges and up to 1,800 units of electricity each year. In February 2002, the number of units covered by the allowance increased by 20%, from 1,500 units to 1,800 units. VAT due on this standard allowance is also covered. An advantage of the allowance is that it is based on a unit allowance and therefore keeps pace with electricity price increases. Proposals to increase the value of the electricity allowance would be a matter for consideration in a budgetary context.