28. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection if he intends to make changes to and increase the Household Benefits Package in the coming months. [67521/26]

112. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to change the Household Benefits Package to alleviate poverty amongst households most in need. [67525/26]

114. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will examine targeted supports in Budget 2027 such as increasing the monthly allowance of €35 for those with gas or electricity as part of the Household Benefits Package. [67298/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 112 and 114 together.

My department continues to examine key ancillary benefits such as the Fuel Allowance, Household Benefits Package and the Living Alone Allowance 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.

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.  The Household Benefits Package is available to those aged 70 or over regardless of means and household composition.  It is also available as a supplementary allowance to those in receipt of various social welfare payments.

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.

Any future decisions, including any decision to change or increase the Household Benefits Package will, of course, have to be considered as part of the budgetary process.

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 www.mywelfare.ie.