Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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521. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection whether UK pensioners residing in the Republic of Ireland (details supplied) are entitled to receive the UK winter fuel allowance under the provisions of the common travel area arrangements between Ireland and the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56888/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Entitlement to UK payments, such as the UK fuel payment, is a matter for the Department of Work and Pensions in the UK and it would not be appropriate for my Department to comment on their behalf.

However, the existing bilateral social security agreement between Ireland and the UK ensures that citizens across the Common Travel Area are protected. If someone residing in Ireland is in receipt of a state pension from the UK, it does not preclude them from applying for the Fuel Allowance payment in Ireland. As with all applicants, they will be required to satisfy the necessary eligibility criteria for the payment, including a means-test.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.