The Government has announced this week that it would be extending the Fuel Allowance season by four weeks – from Friday, 10th April to Friday, 8th May – in response to the the Covid-19 emergency.

Speaking on Tuesday, Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection Regina Doherty,  said: “The Covid-19 emergency presents a once in a century challenge to our society and our public services and we are determined that our Department does everything we can to meet emerging needs and provide comfort to as many as possible.

“At a time where we wish people to stay at home to stay safe, it makes perfect sense to extend the Fuel Season for existing eligible customers on a once-off basis by four weeks, to 8th May, 2020, in order to ensure the most vulnerable groups are provided with additional targeted financial supports in a timely and efficient manner.”

Minister for Finance & Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe said: “During this time of unprecedented difficulty for our people, we must ensure that our older and more vulnerable groups are as comfortable as possible, as people adhere to Government instruction in order to stay safe.

“It is for this reason that the Fuel Season is being extended until May. Everyone has a part to play in minimising the impact of this public health crisis.

“This extension will ensure those in receipt of this payment have one less thing to worry about and can remain safe and warm in their homes for the coming period.”