Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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708. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the cost-of-living measures available to those living in congregated settings, in which all are over 70 years, to assist them with their energy bills; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55271/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Following an announcement as part of Budget 2023, the Department of Social Protection will spend approximately €447 million in 2023 in relation to the increase of €12 per week for those on pension related payments.

In response to the ongoing cost of living pressures, my Department will spend approximately €1.2 billion during the coming months to help individuals and families through this difficult period.

Recipients of State Pensions - both Contributory and Non-Contributory - were eligible for the Autumn Cost of Living Double Payment paid last month, as well as the Christmas Bonus in December.

Other targeted payments to help with increased costs which those receiving a State Pension may be eligible for are a €500 payment to carers and a €400 payment to those in receipt of the Fuel Allowance.

A further measure to assist pensioners with energy costs which I announced as part of the Social Protection Budget Package is a new means test for Fuel Allowance for people aged over 70. This change will mean that a single person aged over 70 can have income of up to €500 per week and qualify for fuel allowance, while a couple can have income of up to €1,000 per week.

Fuel allowance is generally not payable to those living in large communities with sharing heating facilities, such as nursing homes, but individual circumstances can differ depending on nature of the accommodation and heating arrangements.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.