Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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961. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the additional fuel allowance payment for the recent period of heavy snow is available to those that receive their fuel allowance in a lump sum payment. [12481/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The fuel allowance is a payment of €22.50 per week for 27 weeks from October to April, to over 365,000 low income households, at an estimated cost of €227 million in 2018. The purpose of this payment is to assist these households with their energy costs. The allowance represents 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.

Given the severity of the weather I announced that all people in receipt of the fuel allowance will receive an extra payment of €22.50 during the week commencing 12th March and will bring Fuel Allowance payment to €45 that week. The extra payment of €22.50 will also be paid to those who have received the Fuel Allowance in lump sum payments.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.