The Department of Social Protection can easily identify people not benefiting from available supports
Taoiseach Micheál Martin gets an up-close-and-personal briefing on the Middle East oil crisis next weekend when US president Donald Trump drops in for a meeting.
The Phoenix Park will be closed for two days as part of the security operation around the US president’s meetings with the Taoiseach, President Catherine Connolly and the US ambassador Edward Walsh. And that’s before you go anywhere near the ring of steel around the Trump International Doonbeg resort, where the Irish Open golf tournament is taking place – the real purpose of the president’s visit to these shores.
It’s unlikely the Taoiseach will be any the wiser at the end of the visit about an anticipated timeline of a return to normality on the Strait of Hormuz to allow oil supplies to flow.
It seems certain that we are heading into a winter of high energy costs for householders and businesses alike.
The reductions in excise duties on petrol and diesel will continue until February, at least. All the while, the carbon tax increase is expected to be deferred and the Government is fending off calls for a return of energy credits.
Given the focus on energy costs, it’s a surprise to hear that tens of thousands of older people are missing out on the Household Benefits Package, which would help with these bills.
Using its own databases, the Department of Social Protection can easily identify these people and contact them to highlight the availability of the supports. After that, it’s up to the individual themselves to apply.