Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Independent)
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336. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will commit to maintaining the fuel allowance at its current rate; if she will consider allowing a mechanism to receive two lump sum payments across the year for those receiving home heating oil; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39643/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The national fuel allowance scheme assists householders on long-term social welfare with meeting the cost of their heating needs during the winter season. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses. It is not intended to meet those costs in full. Fuel allowance is currently paid at €20 per week during the winter season. Some 410,000 customers receive the fuel allowance at an annual cost of €211 million. Any changes in regard to the fuel allowance will be made in the context of Budget 2014 and there have been no decisions made at this stage.

The issue of paying the fuel allowance as a lump sum has been examined and it could create a number of difficulties for recipients. In particular, if the payment were given in advance as a lump sum, there could be significant over-payments if a recipient’s circumstances were to change during the payment season. If it were paid in arrears, it obviously would create further budgeting difficulties for individuals and their families.

Many energy companies, including oil suppliers, provide budget facilities for making payment by monthly instalment over a period of time which allows people to plan and budget for fuel expenses. I am satisfied that this arrangement is sufficient to meet the needs of customers.