Pa Daly
Question:83. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures he is taking to address energy poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2679/26]
View answerThursday, 15 January 2026
Questions (83)
Written answers
The Government is committed to protecting vulnerable households from the impact of energy costs through a combination of financial supports, energy efficiency awareness initiatives and investment in programmes to improve the energy efficiency of the housing stock. In this regard as part of Budget 2026 the Government has provided significant targeted support to those people who most require help with their energy costs.
With regard to income supports my Department provides a range of schemes to assist with energy costs. These include -
• The Fuel Allowance which was increased by €5 from January 2026, is a weekly payment of €38 for 28 weeks, giving a total per recipient of €1,064 each year from October to April. This will support over 460,000 households with their energy costs, at an estimated cost of €486 million in 2026.
• Electricity or gas allowances under the Household Benefits scheme, at an estimated cost in 2026 of €230.5 million.
• A Heating Supplement may be paid to assist people that have exceptional heating costs due to ill health, infirmity or a medical condition and are unable to meet those costs out of household income.
• Additional Needs Payments are available to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources.
Budget 2026 also provided for a €10 increase in the maximum weekly rate of all State Pensions from January 2026, with proportionate increases for qualified adults and people getting a reduced rate.
A 100% Christmas bonus was also paid to over 1.47 million long-term social welfare recipients the week beginning 1 December 2025.