Sinn Féin spokesperson for Employment Affairs & Social Protection John Brady TD has said that the €2 increase in the Fuel Allowance won’t cover fuel cost hikes let alone the carbon tax increase of €6 announced as part of Budget 2020 this afternoon.

Speaking this afternoon, Teachta Brady said:

“Since last year oil and fuel costs have risen every month and are now at an 11-month high. The €2 increase in the Fuel Allowance won’t cover these already increased fuel costs let alone an increase in carbon tax on top of it.

“In Minister Donohue’s own words ‘the burden of the increase in carbon tax falls unequally’ yet despite this the Government seem to think that a €2 increase in Fuel Allowance will combat this. It will not nor, will it come anywhere near.

“For the 28% of households living in fuel poverty, this increase in carbon tax will not be offset by a measly €2 increase in the Fuel Allowance.

“This comes as Minister Doherty and her Department are yet to give a straight answer as to whether or not the Winter Fuel Payment (from England) will continue to be paid to the 30,000 plus people living in Ireland who currently receive it annually.

“This Government had promised to protect the most vulnerable in increasing the carbon tax, they have not done that. This increase will do nothing but add to the number of households experiencing fuel poverty.”