Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

86. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons that have chosen to receive their fuel allowance payment in a lump sum and weekly, respectively; her plans to support persons in fuel poverty; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46541/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The risk of fuel poverty is influenced by a combination of fuel prices, weather, income and the heat efficiency of housing. My Department will continue to ensure that those on low incomes and those who are more vulnerable to energy poverty are supported through the fuel allowance and the household benefits package.

The fuel allowance is a payment of €22.50 per week from October to April, to over 376,000 low income households, at an estimated cost of €229 million in 2017. This payment assists these households with the higher energy costs that arise in that period. It is a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. It is not intended to meet those costs in full. Only one allowance is paid per household. In Budget 2018 I announced that the fuel allowance season will be increased by one week to 27 weeks in total.

Households who receive the fuel allowance now have the option to receive their payment in two lump sums – one at the start of the fuel season in October and the second in January. This will enable people to buy fuel in bulk and potentially avail of special offers or discounts on the purchase of the particular fuel that meets their specific needs.

Approximately 51,000 households have opted to receive their fuel payment by lump sum and approximately 325,000 households are still receiving the fuel allowance payment weekly.

My Department also pays an electricity or gas allowance as part of the household benefits package to over 430,000 customers, at an estimated cost of €232 million in 2017.

Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, a special heating supplement may be paid to assist people in certain circumstances who have special heating needs due to ill health or infirmity. Exceptional needs payments may also be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which a person is unable to meet from his/her own resources.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.