Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2025
601. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider increasing the household benefit package to take into account the increases in electricity costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51184/25]
View answerThe Household Benefits Package comprises the electricity or gas allowance, and the free television licence. My Department will spend approximately €308 million this year on the Household Benefits Package.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to examine key ancillary benefits such as the Fuel Allowance, Household Benefits Package and Living Alone Increase to support vulnerable groups. This is an ongoing activity as part of the Department's budget planning each year and I will continue, as part of the budget planning process, to consider if improvements can be made to ensure that these benefits continue to target vulnerable groups. Any future decisions including any decision to increase the Electricity/Gas element of the Household Benefits Package will, of course, have to take account of the availability of financial resources.
Finally, the Department of Social Protection provides Additional Needs Payments as part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources. Any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office. In addition, applications can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.
I trust that this clarifies these matters for the Deputy.
