Small pensions and savings shouldn’t leave elderly outside Fuel Allowance net – Murphy

Older people with modest pensions or small savings should still be eligible for fuel allowance, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Michael Murphy said elements of the Fuel Allowance Scheme should be reviewed to ensure our most elderly citizens can be supported to stay warm at home when the colder weather hits.

Deputy Murphy explained: “Fine Gael expanded the Fuel Allowance scheme by introducing a dedicated over 70s mean’s test, which was then extended to include everyone aged 66 and over. Many households rely heavily on this support, but with rising energy bills, it’s important that we include as many of our most vulnerable citizens where feasible.

“Ireland is now home to approximately 190,000 people aged over 80, including almost 29,000 people aged over 90. Many in this generation worked hard, saved responsibly and planned for retirement, yet now find themselves just above the eligibility threshold for the Fuel Allowance.

“Many older people did exactly what they were encouraged to do throughout their working lives. They worked, they saved, and they put a little aside for retirement. Yet those modest savings or pensions can leave them excluded from the Fuel Allowance, despite facing the same rising heating costs as everyone else.”

“As more people live into their eighties and nineties, we need to ensure our supports keep pace. We should review whether the current Fuel Allowance eligibility rules remain fit for purpose and whether they are inadvertently penalising older people who have contributed throughout their lives.”

Deputy Murphy added that a review of the Household Benefits Package, which includes €35 a month towards a recipient’s gas or electricity bill, along with a free television licence, is also overdue.

“We must continue to identify practical solutions that help older people remain living independently in their own homes for as long as possible.

“A modest pension or savings cannot prevent them from availing of supports that will afford them that same independence and comfort that they have earned.”