The Society of St Vincent de Paul welcomes the decision of the Minister and Department of Social Protection to pay a double week fuel allowance this week.
SVP were in contact with the Minister and her Department yesterday evening and this morning to ensure that additional arrangements were put in place by the
DEASP for low-income households in need of extra fuel assistance during the cold weather.
SVP will continue to engage with the Department to increase the awareness of supports available to householders.
"As well as older people and those in receipt of the fuel allowance we are particularly concerned about low income families living in poorly insulated and cold accommodation who may not be entitled to fuel allowance” said SVP National President Kieran Stafford
.
“As always we will help people in whatever way we can. This week that is obviously subject to our volunteers being able to access individuals and families in their homes.
"We will look sympathetically on requests for assistance with high heating bills and assist individuals and families in their engagement with the Department of Social Protection and in particular, the Community Welfare Service, which administers supports under the Exceptional Needs Payment." he said.
He again appealed to people to watch out for elderly neighbours and to ensure that they take no unnecessary risks.