Emergency fuel cash for 125 people during Beast from the East

At least 125 vulnerable people needed emergency payments to heat their homes during the Beast from the East storm — payments which were only guaranteed after the Government was forced to backtrack and provide the vital supports for those at risk.

The Department of Social Protection confirmed the exceptional needs and urgent needs allowance figures last night, but failed to reveal how many people saw their requests for the same help turned down.

According to the figure obtained by the Irish Examiner, the 125 payments granted under the two emergency allowances cost a total of €25,000 last week.