Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 258: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider reversing a cut (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13666/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Difficult decisions had to be made in light of the existing economic situation and commitments made by the previous Government. The rate of payment of the fuel allowance and the payment period, the "fuel season", have been greatly increased during the last ten years. The weekly payment was €6.35 in 2001 and was raised to €9 in 2002, to €14 in 2006, to €18 in 2007 and to €20 in 2010. The duration of the fuel season was increased from 26 to 29 weeks in April 2002. It increased to 30 weeks in April 2008 and to 32 weeks in April 2009. Between 2005 and 2011 the numbers in receipt of fuel allowance rose from 266,000 to 390,000, an increase of almost 50%. For the same period the cost rose from €82 million to €250 million, an increase of over 200%. Given the increase in numbers and costs, the scheme was in danger of becoming unsustainable.

The scheme is intended to provide some additional support for people on long-term welfare payments during the winter season which clearly does not last for 32 weeks. By reducing the fuel season by six weeks it begins to restore the core purpose of the payment as a winter fuel support. The current fuel season will end on Friday, 6th April and the 2012/2013 fuel season will commence on Monday, 8th October this year. There was no cut in the rate of payment of the fuel allowance and it continues to be €20 per week.

While the income supports provided by my Department are very important, the most cost-effective means of protecting households from energy poverty is to improve the home's thermal efficiency. Since 2006, more than €81 million has been expended on providing energy efficiency improvements in over 80,000 homes under the Better Energy programme, which is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, on behalf of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. As set out in the Government's Affordable Energy Strategy, the focus in 2012 will shift to addressing those households considered at higher levels of energy poverty as a priority; such households typically spend over 20% of their disposable income on energy services. This will ensure that those most in need receive the benefit of energy efficiency measures first.