Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
609. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of making the fuel allowance available for 32, 40 and 52 weeks per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45031/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe cost of increasing the Fuel Allowance season to 32 and 40 and 52 weeks is as follows: -
|
Weekly rate the Fuel Allowance Payment |
Number of Additional Weeks Payable |
Number of Recipients |
Estimated Additional Cost |
|
€38 |
4 (32 week season) |
468,000 |
€71.14 million |
|
€38 |
12 (40 week season) |
468,000 |
€213.41 million |
|
€38 |
24 (52 week season) |
468,000 |
€426.82 million |
This costing is based on the number of recipients in May 2026 and is subject to change in light of emerging trends and subsequent revision of the estimated number of recipients.
The provision of any additional supports such as increasing the amount of weeks that Fuel Allowance is payable would have cost implications and could only be considered while taking account of the overall budgetary context and the availability of financial resources.
Recent expansions to the Fuel Allowance scheme have resulted in the Budget for the scheme increasing significantly with an estimated expenditure on the scheme in 2026 of €557.4 million compared to an expenditure of €290.45 million in 2020.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
