Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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68. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the level of uptake on the new option to receive the fuel allowance in two lump sums, which was announced in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8399/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Fuel allowance is a seasonal means tested payment of €22.50 per week payable from October to April. In 2018, the payment is expected to provide financial assistance to over 338,000 low income households towards their winter energy costs, at an estimated cost of €227.15 million. Only one allowance is paid per household. In October 2017, I was pleased to introduce the option for qualified households to receive their fuel allowance payment in two lump sums; the first at the start of the fuel season in October and the second in January. This allows 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. In Budget 2018, I was pleased to extend the fuel allowance season by one week, bringing it to 27 weeks in total. This measure results in an increase in the value of fuel allowance payments from €585 to €607.50 per household. This extra week will commence with immediate effect, extending the current fuel allowance season to 6^thApril 2018.

Based on the most recent information available, 58,284 people representing approx. 17% of recipients have opted to receive fuel allowance in two lump sums.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. A breakdown by county is set out in the table.