THERE WERE heated exchanges in the Dáil between Minister for Social Protection Eamon Ó Cuív and Labour spokeswoman Róisín Shortall about allowances for those at risk of fuel poverty when a carbon levy is introduced on May 1st.

In his first Dáil question time as Minister for Social Protection, Mr Ó Cuív said the carbon tax on heating products would come into effect from May and subsequently on solid fuels.

Before the tax is applied to fuels for home heating, arrangements were being made to assist those most at risk of fuel poverty.

However, when Ms Shortall asked when the Minister would come up with an assistance scheme, Mr Ó Cuív said an interagency group was working on the issue and would come forward with recommendations.

Ms Shortall said however that the fuel allowance “season”ended this month and that “in 10 days’ time, the 300,000 families living in fuel poverty will be hit with a double financial whammy. They will lose the fuel allowance at the end of April and will be at least €20 a week worse off because of that, but the carbon levy kicks in the next day.”

She said it was unacceptable “when the Minister says he is aware of the challenge and there is a group working on the issue.” The Minister knew the carbon levy was coming in on May 1st and that the fuel allowance would end on April 30th.

The cost of home heating oil had risen by 38 per cent last year and 5 per cent in the last month alone. “The Minister has prided himself on being the voice of rural Ireland. Many low income families are particularly dependent on home heating oil.” Ms Shortall repeatedly pressed the Minister about when he would introduce a scheme for poor families.

Mr Ó Cuív retorted: “The deputy is going to learn one thing about me, that is when I am ready to make a decision I will make it. Nobody will force me into making a decision before I am ready. As I said I have not got the recommendations and therefore I cannot answer the question at this time.”