Sinn Féin is calling on the Government to increase the fuel allowance in Budget 2017.

Spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD confirmed around 170,000 older people received the payment last year.

He said: "The duration of the fuel allowance was cut from 32 weeks to 26 by Fine Gael and Labour in Budget 2012. This reduction was a regressive step that hit the most vulnerable hardest. It was one of many subsequent measures aimed at the most vulnerable especially, the elderly.

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"I have heard many stories of the impact the cut in fuel allowance has had on older people. One lady told me how she sat in the library all day just to stay warm, another travels by train to keep warm. The real life stories are endless.

"The fact that 28% of homes in Ireland are experiencing fuel poverty is reason enough for this increase. We simply cannot allow people to be cold in their homes this Winter."

(CD/LM)