Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1409. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection given the 1.8 per cent rise in inflation and its disproportionate impact on low-income families, if he will commit to indexing core social welfare schemes and supports in Budget 2026, to protect against further cost-of-living erosion. [46808/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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In response to the recommendations of the Pensions Commission, in 2022 the Government decided that the Minister for Social Protection would, in submitting Budget options, set out a recommended rate of pension payment calculated using the smoothed earnings benchmark approach as an input for consideration as part of Budget discussions, on an annual basis, starting from September 2023.

The smoothed earnings approach links the pension rate to 34% of average earnings, while also allowing for variation in periods where inflation exceeds earnings growth.

Since then, this calculation has been prepared and submitted annually to Government, most recently as part of preparations for Budget 2025.  Any increases calculated under the smoothed earnings approach may be met, or exceeded, by a combination of rate increases and one-off measures taken by the Government in periods of high inflation.

The smoothed earnings rate will be calculated, and submitted to Government for their consideration as part of the input to Budget 2026.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1410. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the logistics and communication plans to ensure timely delivery of the scheduled fuel allowance payments beginning week of 22 September 2025 particularly for older and vulnerable households in Cork and surrounds. [46821/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Fuel Allowance scheme is a means tested payment to assist pensioners and other long-term social welfare dependent householders with their winter heating costs. The payment is a contribution towards heating costs; it is not intended to meet these costs in full. Only one Fuel Allowance is payable per household. Those who qualify for the payment do not need to reapply annually.

The 2025/26 Fuel Allowance season will commence on week beginning 22nd September 2025 for a period of 28 weeks, ending in early April 2026. Payments are made at the weekly rate of €33.00 or, if preferred, by way of two instalments of €462. Customers with the instalment option will receive the second instalment in the first week of January 2026.

My department has completed all the necessary preparations for the 2025/26 Fuel Allowance season. This will ensure that all current eligible customers will receive their first payment during week beginning 22nd September, whether by weekly payment or by instalment. The payments will issue to the customer’s nominated post office or bank account.

As part of my department’s communication with customers about the Fuel Allowance season, my officials will be issuing a media release and sharing relevant information on social media channels. This is part of an annual information campaign to let people know about the Fuel Allowance payment and will include messages about the start date for payments, as well as information about who is eligible and for new applicants how to apply. Information can be found at www.gov.ie/fa throughout the year.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.