Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
699. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the case of an older woman in Dublin 11 (details supplied) who has been without heating for many months; if he will respond to the details of the case; to outline the steps that will be taken to assist the woman in question and the additional supports available to her; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3933/26]
View answerUnder the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme, my department may make an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) to help meet expenses that an eligible person cannot pay from their weekly income, personal and/or household resources. The ANP scheme is demand led and administered by Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) in the Community Welfare Service (CWS), taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
Local authorities offer the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, which can help homeowners with essential repairs and home improvements, including heating repairs and upgrades. While new fossil-fuel heating systems are no longer funded, alternative and energy efficient solutions may be considered. There is also now an Age Friendly Technical Advisor in each of the 31 local authorities who are able to guide people though options, advocate and liaise on their behalf with the relevant agencies.
According to the records of the Department, the person concerned applied for an ANP to assist with the cost of a replacement gas boiler. In view of the exceptional nature of the circumstances being encountered by the person concerned this claim has been awarded. I am pleased to advise that a payment of €2,100 has been processed for payment to their nominated bank account on 14/01/2026. A letter advising the person of this outcome issued to them on 12/01/2026.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
