Many people are struggling to pay their bills. The fuel allowance provides vital support for so many households across the nation and especially for older people and those with chronic pain. To qualify for fuel allowance one must live alone or with a spouse, in a civil partnership, or with a cohabitant who qualifies the person for an increase in his or her pension or social welfare. For a couple with a qualified adult under 66 the assessable income is €642 and for other couples it is €703.10. I have a case of a retired couple, one of whom is 66, and his wife is not receiving a State pension. Because she is not receiving a State pension she is not entitled to get the fuel allowance. Will the Taoiseach collaborate with the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Humphreys, to get this sorted out? People cannot afford to pay their bills. These people come under the income threshold and should be entitled to fuel allowance. Will the Taoiseach please collaborate with the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Humphreys?

I thank Deputy Fitzpatrick for raising this issue. The whole issue of energy poverty is one we must take seriously. The energy credits are being paid right now in this billing cycle. In fairness to my colleague the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, we have made a number of improvements and expansions to the fuel allowance scheme, and I am aware the Deputy would have been supportive of that. I am sure the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, would be eager to do more in that space. I will certainly ask the Minister to come back to the Deputy directly on the case he has raised and also that we would reflect on his point as we approach the next budget for how we can do more on the fuel allowance.