Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2026
557. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection the supports available to households where a family member requires continuous electrically powered medical equipment, including oxygen machines, resulting in substantially increased electricity bills; if additional supports are available through the exceptional needs payment system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31912/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra560. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider the introduction of a dedicated support payment or allowance for households where a person is medically dependent on continuous electrically powered medical equipment such as oxygen concentrators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31915/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 557 and 560 together.
Under the Household Benefits Scheme an electricity or gas allowances is paid to those who qualify for the scheme. The electricity or gas allowance is paid monthly, at a rate of €1.15 a day equating to a yearly rate of €420.
The Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme is the safety net within the overall social welfare system in that it provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents.
I understand however that there will always be exceptional cases, and it is for this reason that my department provides Additional Needs Payments as part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme.
My department may make Additional Needs Payments to help meet essential expenses, such as utility bills, that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources. These payments are available through our Community Welfare Officers.
Payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme, taking into account the requirements of the legislation and all the relevant circumstances of the case, including the need presented and available resources, in order to ensure that the payments target those most in need of assistance.
The payment is available to anyone who needs it and qualifies, whether the person is currently receiving a social welfare payment or working on a low income.
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 for Additional Needs Payments can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.
I wish to assure the Deputy that Department schemes are kept under review and any changes would have to be considered in an overall budgetary context.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
