A Sinn Féin welfare spokesperson has welcomed the confirmation that the winter fuel allowance payment will be made later this month.

Mr Mickey Brady MLA said: "Sinn Féin has campaigned to have the Winter Fuel Payment extended to include previously excluded vulnerable members of the community.

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"The Tory cut to the winter fuel payment came as a shock to many people who depend on this allowance and this initiative by the Assembly Executive has not just addressed that but gone further.

"Sinn Féin convinced The Executive to agree to implement this payment through the Social Protection Fund and I am delighted that this payment is now being made."

Sinn Féin believes the rising price of fuel has caused hardship amongst those on benefits and low incomes.

(CD/GK)