A Sinn Féin TD’s calling on the next Minister for Social Protection to extend the fuel allowance – to take into account the ongoing cold weather.

The allowance, which assists people is paying their heating and fuel bills, is paid on a weekly basis from January 1 until April 1.

Sean Crowe has said he has contacted the acting minister for Social Protection Joan Burton, to request that the payment be back-paid for this month.

Deputy Crowe has said the payment of the allowance should take adverse weather conditions into account: “The fuel allowance finished on the first of April, unfortunately the weather hasn’t improved since the first of April, people are living in their homes in freezing conditions.

“There doesn’t seem to be any end to this cold spell and I am calling on the Government to extend the period for another month.”