Naoise Ó Cearúil (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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228. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the measures being taken to address delays in fuel allowance payments for persons who are in receipt of another welfare payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55798/25]

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.

In addition to the means test, applicants must satisfy a number of eligibility conditions including living alone or only with other qualifying person(s). To assess entitlement, Deciding Officers must have sufficient information to assess whether all necessary eligibility conditions for the payment are met. In certain cases, additional information may be awaited to allow the Deciding Officer to complete their assessment.

I am advised that higher than normal volumes of applications continue to be received and my officials are working through these applications currently. I can assure the Deputy that the staffing needs for all areas within my Department are continuously reviewed, including requirements for processing fuel applications, taking account of workloads, management priorities and the ongoing need to respond to new and increasing demands in a wide range of services. This is to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources with a view to providing an efficient service to those who rely on the schemes operated by the Department.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.