Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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140. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when a decision on a fuel allowance will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40287/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Fuel Allowance is a payment under the National Fuel Scheme to help with the cost of heating a home during the winter months. It is paid to people who are dependent on long-term social welfare payments and who are unable to provide for their own heating needs. Only one Fuel Allowance is paid to a household.

The person concerned is currently in receipt of illness benefit. Illness benefit is a payment for people who cannot work due to illness and who satisfy the Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions. Illness benefit is classed as a short term scheme and as such is not a qualifying payment for a fuel allowance.