Ryan calls for reintroduction of Energy Guarantee for older people
Sinn Féin TD for South Kildare, Patricia Ryan has called for the energy guarantee for older people to be reintroduced. Speaking in the Dáil on Wednesday (06/04/22), Patricia asked the Taoiseach if the Government will commit to reintroducing the energy guarantee for older persons, which would provide a minimum quantity of energy for all older persons as part of a comprehensive new national energy poverty strategy.
Patricia also asked that the government further commit to indexing this to the changing cost of energy in order that older people will always be assured of a minimum quantity of energy to keep their homes warm. The Government's main policy is the fuel allowance payment, but two thirds of older persons do not qualify for it. From 1968 to 2012, people aged 70 or older were granted up to 2,400 units of electricity per year.
The Taoiseach replied that the Government has taken significant measures on energy security and costs, but that Deputy Ryan could send further proposals to them.”
Speaking after the debate Patricia said:
“Many people are suffering during this cost of living crisis but our older people are to the pin of their collar with rising energy prices. The Government’s main policy is a Fuel Allowance payment, but two-thirds of older persons do not receive this. From 1968 to 2012, people aged 70 or older were granted up to 2,400 units of electricity per year, or the equivalent in gas, which protected them from sudden price shocks. This was abolished by the Labour - Fine Gael government. It needs to be reinstated urgently,” she concluded.