Perhaps the Ceann Comhairle wishes to declare an interest in the matter the Deputies have raised.

I most definitely have an interest in it.

I was No. 7 on the list and the Ceann Comhairle called other Deputies before me. Deputy Heydon was not next on the list.

My apologies. Deputy Cahill should proceed.

I raise an issue related to the fuel allowance, which has been discussed extensively today. I refer to the delay in approving applications to the scheme. In the past week, I was contacted by a constituent who applied for a fuel allowance payment four months ago and has not yet been informed whether she is eligible for a payment. Given the extremely long winter we are having, does the Government have plans to speed up the application process for the fuel allowance?

I will ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to issue a reply to the Deputy.