As it emerged yesterday, people who were normally granted energy bill subsidies in a cold snap now have to wait up to three months for their cases to be heard.
he Dáil has been informed of long delays in matters of urgency, although Taoiseach Micheál Martin urged people to ensure the heating is on as the temperature falls below zero in the coming days.
Mr Martin said the elderly in particular should keep their heating on during the current freeze as “health comes first”.
He said there are a range of supports for people in need in addition to the “payments” the government has already introduced.
However, Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane said temperatures would dip below freezing for an extended period of time, but there was no acute reaction for someone suddenly unable to pay for heating.
Most workers and families cannot receive the means-tested fuel allowance, but they can access an additional need payment.
However, it can no longer be issued on site by a municipal welfare officer.
She said, “If only it were that easy. It is an important support in an emergency or in an urgent situation. However, the processing of the applications takes 10 to 12 weeks. Households cannot wait that long.”
Ms Kerrane said community welfare officials should be able to decide on additional need payments.
“The quickest way for people to get financial assistance is through local welfare officials where they may have walk-in appointments that are no longer available.”
Mr Martin said the country “should be fine” on energy supplies during the cold spell, but acknowledged he could not give “ultimate guarantees”.
Speaking in Tirana, Albania, which was unusually warm for the time of year yesterday, Mr Martin said: “When it comes to heating, health comes first.
“So what we would say to people is, you know, in the context of such cold weather, make sure the heating is on, and especially our seniors.”
He added: “I think there are mechanisms in place if a person is in an emergency situation or needs emergency assistance that can be provided.”
However, Ms Kerrane denied this and said no grants would be given as the freeze would be over at the time of an appointment.
Public Expenditure Secretary Michael McGrath defended the situation in the Dáil, saying: “I appreciate that the cold weather that has arrived and is about to get worse is a real concern for many households.
“We want people to feel comfortable in their homes. I will take up the specific question regarding the time frame that some claims for additional needs payments require.
“We are asking people who are in need to get in touch with the department and indeed with their utilities, but most importantly, stay warm and comfortable in the coming days.”
The Taoiseach said the government has provided significant support since the budget and a series of one-off payments. He cited this week’s announcement of a significant increase in the fuel allowance.
Easing means testing for people over 70 is expected to benefit an additional 81,000 households.
“There will be double the Christmas bonus and so on and there have been a number of payments since the budget,” Mr Martin added.
“So we think that should allow people to get through the winter. But like everything, we keep an eye on everything.”
In terms of security of supply, Ireland “should be fine,” he said. “You can never give an absolute guarantee for the entire winter period. But we have had a mild winter so far and are obviously facing a difficult week or two in terms of climate.”
https://www.independent.ie/business/farming/news/dail-hears-of-long-delays-in-deciding-who-to-help-with-urgent-fuel-costs-42201609.html Dáil hears of long delays in deciding who to help with urgent fuel bills