I also support Cara and her call for the optional protocol of the UNCRPD to be ratified. I ask the Tánaiste to do that before the end of this Dáil's term.

I want to follow up on an email I received from a constituent about the fact that the fuel allowance has not increased since 2020. Between 2020 and 2022, household energy bills more than doubled, totally eroding the efficiency of these targeted supports. The energy allowances now barely cover standing charges. In that time, we saw those living in energy poverty rise to levels as high as 40%. While universal energy credits can assist many people, what is needed is an increase in the targeted energy supports, which have been almost totally eroded in the past four years, as there were no increases. Does the Tánaiste agree that the fuel allowance does not meet the needs of the people who receive it? Does he agree that the fuel allowance should be extended to those on the working family payment?

First, the Minister for children will bring a memorandum to the Government in the next while to get a positive decision on the ratification of the optional protocol.

The Government has significantly expanded the number of people entitled to the fuel allowance.

It has not increased the actual amount.

In the past two years in particular, we dramatically provided additional supports for those on the free fuel allowance-----

I refer to targeted supports.

-----in respect of the energy crisis and the increased costs. We have gone over and above what would have been the norm in respect of the amounts of money allocated in the past two years.

They were once-off payments that do not deal with the issue.

We are running out of time. I ask people to please abbreviate their questions and answers.