Fuel allowance to be cut

The Fuel Allowance is to be reduced with the eligible season falling from 32 to 26 weeks for new and existing recipients, Minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin announced.

He said this move would result in savings of €51m next year.

"The weekly Fuel Allowance and the payment period, the “fuel season”, have been greatly increased during the last 10 years," said Social Protection Minister Joan Burton.

Between 2005 and 2011 the numbers in receipt of Fuel Allowance rose from 266,000 to 390,000, an increase of almost 50%.

"For the same period the cost rose from €82m to €250m, an increase of over 200%.

"Given the increase in numbers and costs, the scheme is unsustainable," Minister Burton added.

"By reducing the fuel season by six weeks it begins to restore the core purpose of the payment as a winter fuel support."

Advocacy group Age Action said it is very concerned by the Government's decision to reduce the fuel season by six weeks.

Chief executive Eamon Timmins said it was "extremely worrying" for the poorest of old people.

He said the cold can kill - and it's a year round problem.

"Many of these (elderly) people have their heating on throughout the year, not just in winter," he said.

"Because they are often very frail and don't leave their homes, that extended season was very important to them."

Fianna Fáil described the move as "crude and cruel".

"This leaves old age pensioners and welfare recipients increasingly exposed to poor weather conditions and heating cost increases," said the party's social protection spokesperson Barry Cowen.

“The Fuel Allowance is a crucial payment for low income households and old age pensioners.

"This reduction is a regressive step that will hit the most vulnerable hardest."

Active Retirement Ireland (ARI) said many older people will no longer be able to adequately heat their homes.

“We’re extremely concerned that the Fuel Allowance year is being cut back from 32 weeks to 26,” said ARI chief executive Maureen Kavanagh.

“This will disproportionately affect older people, who tend to use more fuel generally and to have less energy-efficient homes.

"We had hoped for more from this Government.”