1997. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection the estimated cost of extending the fuel allowance to 32 weeks at current rates; the estimated cost of increasing it by either €10 or €15 per week at 32 weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56687/26]

The estimated cost of extending the fuel allowance to 32 weeks with current weekly rates, an increase of €10 per week and €15 per week are set out in the table below.

These costings are based on the number of Fuel Allowance recipients as at April 2026, and are based on  the cost of a €10 and €15 weekly rate increase, with the additional cost of increasing the fuel season by 4 weeks, from 28 to 32, included.  The costing is subject to change in light of emerging trends and subsequent revision of the number of recipient.