241. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Social Protection if he expects increases to the household benefits package, particularly in relation to household utilities in view of increased bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44693/26]

The Household Benefits Package comprises the electricity or gas allowance, and the free television licence.  The Department of Social Protection will spend approximately €317 million this year on the Household Benefits Package.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to examine key ancillary benefits such as the Fuel Allowance, Household Benefits Package and Living Alone Increase to support vulnerable groups.  This is an ongoing activity as part of the Department's budget planning each year and I will continue, as part of the budget planning process, to consider if improvements can be made to ensure that these benefits continue to target vulnerable groups.  Any future decisions including any decision to increase the Electricity/Gas element of the Household Benefits Package will, of course, have to take account of the availability of financial resources.

Given the many competing demands for the limited funding available to the Department, recent Budget spending increases have been targeted to ensure that it goes to those people who need help the most.

With regards to targeted measures, the Department provides support to households who are most vulnerable to energy poverty via the Fuel Allowance payment. The Fuel Allowance payment is a means tested payment which is targeted towards households that are at a higher risk of poverty. It is for this reason the Department has increased the weekly rate of Fuel Allowance and not the electricity/gas element of the Household Benefits Package in recent Budgets. Budget 2026 did provide for a €10 weekly increase to all of the main social welfare payments, a €5 increase to the weekly rate of Fuel Allowance and a 100% Christmas bonus in December last year.

Finally, the Department of Social Protection provides Additional Needs Payments as part of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme to help meet essential expenses that a person cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources.  Any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service.  There is a National Community Welfare Contact Centre in place - 0818-607080 - which will direct callers to the appropriate office.  In addition, applications can be made online via  http://www.mywelfare.ie.

I trust this clarifies the position.