31. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department has considered providing any additional social protection payment supports specifically for households who are reliant on home heating oil. [67645/26]

My department continues to examine key ancillary benefits such as the Fuel Allowance, Household Benefits Package and the Living Alone Increase to support households.  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 those most in need.

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.

Any future decisions, including any decision to provide additional social protection payment supports, of course, have to be considered as part of the budgetary process.

It is important to note that Additional Needs Payments are available through my Department for people who have essential expenses, which they cannot meet from their own resources, including people who face difficulties in meeting fuel bills.  In addition, a Heating Supplement may be paid to assist people that have exceptional heating costs due to ill health, infirmity or a medical condition and are unable to meet those costs out of household income.  The Heating Supplement can be paid throughout the full year.

Any person who considers that they may have an entitlement to an Additional Needs Payment or the Heating Supplement 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 for an Additional Needs Payment can be made online via www.mywelfare.ie.