Paul Murphy urges immediate increase to fuel allowance means test
Paul Murphy challenged the Taoiseach over delays to an increased fuel allowance means test, arguing the change should take effect immediately rather than on 7 January. He warned many people face a real winter crisis with rising energy and fuel costs and described representing a man who is €5 over the current threshold.
Budget measures
He noted the Government's Budget raised the fuel allowance payment by €5 and announced a €20 increase in the means test threshold, but said the €5 payment is less than a third of the extra costs many households will face.
Implementation delay
Murphy criticised the decision to defer the means test increase until 7 January, saying the postponement leaves people without access to support in October, November and December when they need it most.
Constituent example
He cited a constituent who is €5 over the current means test and asked what that person is expected to do to pay for fuel this winter, stressing urgent need for immediate access to the allowance.
Government response
The Taoiseach replied that the €5 payment would be implemented immediately on Budget night, that the increase in the threshold was the other key decision, and that he would review the matter and speak to the minister, suggesting it could be an administrative issue to be pursued.
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Taoiseach, People are facing a real crisis this winter in terms of energy and fuel costs. Many people are already seeing rises of over €500. So the Government in the Budget last week made much of the extra €5 for those on fuel allowance, even though it is less than a third of the cost that many will face. They also announced, the Government, that the means test was going to be increased by €20. But what the Government did not announce is that that means increased means test won't apply until the 7th of January next year. I have a man who is €5 over the current means test. If you accept the fact that he does need this fuel allowance to pay his fuel, pay for his fuel, well then what do you expect him to do in October, in November and in December? So the question, Taoiseach, is whether you and the Government will intervene to ensure that the means test is increased immediately and people like the guy I am representing and many others are able to access the fuel allowance now. The Government will be implemented immediately and with immediate effect on Budget night. And the two key decisions were the actual amount of €5, which was to be implemented immediately, and the other was the increase in the threshold. I will review that and talk to the Minister. This could be an administrative issue, and I will pursue it.
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