SF: Double fuel allowance

Finance Minister Brian Cowen was today urged to double the Fuel Allowance to €18 per week in tomorrow’s budget.

Sinn Féin Social Welfare spokesperson Sean Crowe also called for the payment to be made in advance at the beginning of winter and for the months of April and May to be included.

Mr Crowe said there are now 62,000 households in chronic fuel poverty in the Republic, 16,300 of which include elderly residents.

“The current payment is €9 a week. We are calling for it to be raised to €18 per week; for it to be paid up front at the beginning of winter and for it to include the months of April and May,” the Dublin South West TD said.

“This would be a practical measure that would help alleviate the hardship faced by some of the most disadvantaged people in our society.

“We believe this would cost in the region of 80 to €100m a year.”

Mr Crowe said this figure was just a fraction of the amount of money wasted by the current government on IT systems and the losses suffered by Revenue as a result of very generous tax breaks to the wealthy.

“This Government has proved itself to be penny wise and pound foolish when it comes to spending public money,” he said.

“This Wednesday, I urge Minister Cowen to be wise when it comes to investing in those most in need in our society, rather that fritter away money on white elephants and ego trips.”