Backlash against Varadkar over heating remark

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is facing an angry public backlash after saying he will not write a “blank cheque” or “pick up the bill” for elderly people who keep their heating on constantly during the sub-zero ‘Beast From The East’ storm.

Mr Varadkar was criticised by opposition parties and elderly groups after flatly rejecting Minister for Older People Jim Daly’s earlier plan for pensioners to keep their heating on 24/7 over the coming days.

Speaking as the National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) urged the public to take all precautions as Ireland becomes blanketed in the worst snowfall in four decades, Mr Varadkar said extra elderly funds are available.