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Seanad
‹ Order of Business

UK fuel allowance eligibility

Summary

Senator Frank Feighan discusses British fuel allowance payments available to qualifying Irish people who lived or worked in the United Kingdom.

Frankie Feighan Senator Frank Feighan Fine Gael

In 2012 the European Court of Justice made a landmark decision that obliged the United Kingdom to grant a free fuel allowance to those who had lived or worked in the United Kingdom and had been born before 5 July 1951. There was no means test imposed in respect of qualified. One of the only times I received thanks in this country was from the tens of thousands of Irish people who had lived and worked in the United Kingdom, who had worked hard all their lives and did not expect anything for nothing. They were able to get between €115 and €350 a year from the British Government towards free fuel, which was very welcome. Based on the numbers applying, I believe it would cost the United Kingdom Government approximately €40 million a year. I am concerned that with Brexit, this may not be delivered on. I have raised the issue with Members of the UK Parliament at the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly. I ask that the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade or the Minister for Social Protection come before the House to allay the fears of tens of thousands of Irish people. These individuals have not contacted me. All their lives they were not used to getting something for nothing. It is vital to continue this payment for people who worked all their lives to build up the United Kingdom and who sent money back to this country. I hope it will continue.

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