“The on-going high rises in the price of oil is putting oil beyond the purchase of our pensioners”, states Senator Joe O’Reilly. 
“The present fuel allowance of €18 per week (which starts this year on 26th September and finishes around the end of April, has to be applied for and is means tested) is a joke when you consider the new price of oil. The problem is compounded by the rising hike in ESB charges. The fuel allowance will have to be at least doubled and needs to be extended throughout the year. There is a fuel crisis in our country and it is far worse for our older people than any other group.
Stating that that our older people created the Celtic Tiger, Senator O’Reilly said: 
“They cannot become the victims of its mismanagement. The cutbacks that are coming should not be allowed to hurt the old and the weak. This time around, the strong must pay the bill. I am calling on the Government to immediately double the fuel allowance and make it operable for a full year”.

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