Galway East TD Seán Canney has called on the Minister for Social Protection to increase the level of payments for recipients of the fuel allowance to help people meet the rising costs of heating oil and electricity.
The Independent TD also raised the issue of expanding the qualifying payments so that more people in fuel poverty can qualify for the fuel allowance.
“As we approach the winter season, I am aware of many people who just cannot cope with the unprecedented level of increase in electricity and heating oil,” said Deputy Canney.
“These people need help and the Government can take positive action in this year’s budget to assist those in need.”
Deputy Canney raised these issues in a meeting this week with Minister Paschal Donohue and Minister Michael McGrath – and both accepted that there were issues which they will give serious consideration to, he said.
“In these times of unstable costs there is an onus on Government to protect those most vulnerable who are living in fuel poverty.”
