Burton set to extend fuel allowance scheme by a week

The Social Protection minister, Joan Burton, is expected to announce this morning that she intends to extend the fuel allowance scheme by an extra week this year.

The extension of the scheme is to take into account the extended cold snap.

However, no extra money will be provided for the extension.

Instead, it is likely that the resumption of the payment in the coming winter will be delayed by a week.

The €20-a-week fuel allowance is paid to people who are dependent on long-term social welfare to assist with their heating needs.

It is paid over 26 weeks from October and was due to end this year on Friday, April 6.

Age Action is urging the Government to reverse the wider cuts made to fuel supports paid to older people under the Household Benefits Package, given the current cold weather and the hardship the cuts are causing.

"Changes to the fuel support payments announced in the December Budget are having a huge impact on older people,” Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins said.

"The Government did not reveal the extent of the changes in December and the full impact has only become clear since the latest gas and electricity bills have arrived in the post."

Mr Timmins said they are being contacted by older people who are currently facing energy bills of €400 to €500 for January and February.

He said: "The temperature in your home is crucial. Medical research has found that when temperatures fall below 16 degrees Celsius there is an increased risk of respiratory problems. Where it drops below 12 degrees, the blood thickens and there is an increased risk of stroke and heart attack.

"The cold can kill. Between 1,500 and 2,000 excess deaths occur during the winter in Ireland, compared to the summer. Many of these are older people who die as a result of respiratory illness or cardiovascular disease."

The charity advised older people to take the following steps in order to stay well and warm this winter:

Dress correctly – wear layers, rather than one thick layer of clothing. Maybe wear a woolen or fleece hat in bed;

Remain active – don’t stay sitting for long periods. Spread your chores throughout the day to ensure to keep moving around your home;

Eat well – have at least one hot meal a day. Sip hot drinks regularly. Keep a flask of hot drink by the bed, in case you wake up cold;

Make sure you use your free electricity or gas allocation, if you receive the Household Benefits package;

Seal gaps around windows and doors. Insulate your home;

Remain in telephone contact with your family and friends, including other older people.