Will Members please give way to Deputy Munster?

I wish to speak about the programme for Government and the Government's commitment to tackling climate change. One of the effects of climate change is the increase in weather warnings which we have seen this week. Last month I introduced the Extreme Weather (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which provides for the safety of employees during severe weather conditions. Not only does it enhance public safety but it also ensures the safety of rescue services personnel during severe weather events. It also proposes the imposition of penalties on those who put lives in danger through reckless behaviour during severe weather events. We are legislators and we must act to guide employers to protect workers and also to increase the powers of emergency services during severe weather events. Will the Government consider the Bill given the weather warnings this week in order to afford protection and certainty to workers?

Given the protracted talk about the severe weather warning there is a need to protect elderly citizens and to keep them warm.

As a way of being helpful, I suggest the April payment be brought forward in order that everybody in receipt of the fuel allowance would receive an extra payment. The Government would not have to find extra money to bring this forward. I ask the Taoiseach to consider very seriously this suggestion which would provide a quick and short necessary solution to what is a very real problem.

I understand the Business Committee is due to meet this afternoon to discuss the ongoing weather alert and consider how the House should respond and what steps should be taken if there is a red weather warning. Before that decision is taken, I ask the Taoiseach to set aside time during Government business this evening or early tomorrow to allow the Minister to answers questions for an hour. We should be able to pose questions to the Minister to ascertain what steps are being taken to protect citizens.

The Taoiseach has given his weather forecast and said what people should do, but we need to cut to the chase with regard to what that means. Between 1,500 and 2,000 people in the State will die from weather-related incidents because they cannot afford to heat their homes properly. It happens when temperatures drop to the levels to which they are expected to drop in the coming days. All the talk about keeping the heating on and applying for exceptional needs and discretionary payments simply does not cut it. People will die unless they are kept warm in their homes in the next couple of days. I remind the Taoiseach that individuals who have been identified as vulnerable, including those over the age of 65 years, those living alone, people with disabilities and who lack mobility, will be at risk in the next number of hours unless the Government steps in to give them certainty and security that if they keep the heating on, the Government and the Department will meet the payment. It is not a blank cheque. The figure is €6 million. Can the Taoiseach not say he will protect these vulnerable individuals and do his damnedest to make sure nobody will die as a result of the cold weather spell we are about to face? I have mentioned that far too many people - between 1,500 and 2,000 - die in these circumstances every year. An extra week's fuel payment for these individuals should be announced.

Hear, hear.

I will give some consideration to Deputy John Brassil's helpful suggestion that we bring forward the extra week's payment already planned for April. I will have to discuss the matter with the Ministers for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and Public Expenditure and Reform. I suggest to Deputy Pearse Doherty that if we were to assume that leaving the heating on 24/7 would cost €22.50 - the amount of the weekly fuel allowance payment - it would send the wrong message to people. I do not think such a guarantee could be given to them. If we tell them that they can leave on the heating 24/7 and that the Government or somebody else will pick up the bill, regardless of what it is, we will send the wrong message to them.

What message is the Government sending?

I do not think I could possibly agree to that.

What is the right message?

Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked for a debate to take place today. As I hope Deputies are aware, I do not control the House or set the times for debates in it.

I asked for time to be provided during Government business.

That is a matter for the Business Committee and has been for almost two years at this stage.

I understand Deputy Imelda Munster's Bill has been introduced but that it has not yet been taken on Second Stage. The best way for it to be taken on Second Stage would be for Sinn Féin to use its Private Members' time to prioritise it.