A Theachta Doherty, tá an t-am caite.

There is one speaker.

There is only one speaker and the Tánaiste has the floor.

Go raibh maith agat.

Glaoim ar an Teachta Ged Nash-----

-----without interruption.

Go raibh maith agat, a Aire.

Deputy, please.

Deputy, it is the Tánaiste's opportunity-----

Deputies, the time for the question has expired.

We are moving on to-----

-----an Teachta Tony McCormack.

An Teachta Tony McCormack, the floor is yours.

The free electricity allowance remains fixed at €20 a year; exactly the same level since 2013, yet electricity prices have increased substantially in that period, reducing the real value of the support. This is affecting not only older people but also those who have disabilities and those who are living alone. It is part of the programme for Government to review the household benefits package. What plans does the Minister have to increase the free electricity allowance in order that it better reflects the energy co…

I acknowledge the headway made on the broader household package. I welcome the fact that it is being examined. In particular, I draw the Minister's attention to the electricity allowance. When the allowance was set in 2013 it had the capacity to buy 1,526 units of electricity per year. Today, that same €420 payment covers no more than 450 units of electricity. That is more than a 70% reduction in the capacity of the allowance, which is impacting not only on pensioners but also on people with disabilities and people…

Making improvements to the overall burden of fuel costs is positive, and the fact that there will be different measures to do that. I want to draw the Minister's attention in particular to the electricity aspect of it because the allowance that was there provided people with the capacity to buy a certain amount of electricity and its value has eroded over time. I will briefly stay focused on the electricity aspect of it. Could that be increased? Could it be linked with a certain number of units of electricity such …

I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Emer Currie - To discuss the abolition of the deemed disposal rule. Deputy Albert Dolan - To discuss access to planned residential placements for adults with intellectual disabilities. Deputy Duncan Smith - To discuss the loss of the remains or partial remains of unidentified bodies. Deputy Paul Lawless - To discuss the future of a school in County May…

One speaker.

The Select Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport has completed its consideration of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2026 and has made amendments thereto.

I welcome Mr. Robert Watson to Leinster House and to the Gallery, from where he has been observing proceedings this morning. Fáilte romhat, Robert.