Healy-Rae: ‘Money announced for fuel should be spent on fuel’
Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae is calling on the government to reopen the Fuel Income Support Scheme to new applicants "for a short, clearly advertised period".
The Kerry TD said this would "ensure that the money allocated for fuel support reaches those who need it".
Deputy Healy-Rae's comments come following confirmation from Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon that the Fuel Income Support Scheme will not reopen to new applicants, despite being extended.
Minister Heydon outlined a €31.2 million allocation covering fuel supports for August to December 2026.
He added that “nor will the scheme open for new applicants”, while a second payment will be made to eligible applicants under the original Fuel Income Support Scheme.
Deputy Healy-Rae said: “I welcome the further payment to those who qualified, but I am very disappointed that the door is being closed on people who missed the original application window.
“For one reason or another, some farmers and contractors did not apply the first time around.
“That does not mean their fuel bills are any smaller or that they are not facing the very same pressures as those receiving the support."
Deputy Healy-Rae asked the minister to reopen the scheme for a short period, which the Kerry TD described as “a reasonable request”.
He added: “Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria should have an opportunity to apply for this extended support.”
Fertiliser
Deputy Healy-Rae also criticised the diversion of funding originally announced for fuel support towards a fertiliser scheme.
He said: “€100 million was initially announced for fuel support, and that original allocation has not all been used.
“It is very difficult to justify refusing new applications while money intended for fuel support is being directed elsewhere."
The TD stated that while farmers "absolutely need help with fertiliser costs", that help should take the form of additional funding.
He said: “Money announced for fuel should be spent on fuel.
“The government recognised the pressure caused by fuel costs when it announced this funding.
“Those pressures have not disappeared for people who missed the first application window.”
The TD said that he is calling on Minister Heydon to reconsider this decision, "reopen applications for a short, clearly advertised period and ensure that the money allocated for fuel support reaches those who need it".
