Around 2,800 people died last year from medical conditions linked to fuel poverty, according to Sinn Féin.

TD Seán Crowe has called on the outgoing government to once again review the fuel allowance, which ended on 01 April.

Deputy Crowe said: "There are between 200,000 and 400,000 households in chronic fuel poverty in this state, including the elderly and those with a disability, who more susceptible to the cold. These groups have a greater dependency on the fuel allowance.

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"The current payment is €22 a week, but it begins on the 1st of January ends on the 01 April, which is far too soon. The fuel allowance support needs to be extended to reflect Ireland's current cold conditions and weather patterns in recent years. The payment from the Department Social Protection isn't fit for purpose and needs to be more flexible. Irish weather patterns, in recent years, also suggest that this payment period doesn’t reflect the need or reality of many households in fuel poverty."

(CD/LM)