Around 28% of households in Ireland are experiencing fuel poverty, according to Sinn Féin.

Spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD slammed the Government over its inaction on the issue on Budget 2017 and said the situation will continue.

Teachta Brady said: "Fine Gael and Labour cut the Fuel Allowance by six weeks from 32 weeks to 26 weeks in Budget 2012. This had a devastating impact on older people particularly, those living alone as well as for lone parents and those in low income households.

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"The reality on the ground is that older people are sitting in public libraries, they are travelling on public transport and they are going to bed early just to stay warm. This is absolutely unacceptable.

"I raised this issue directly with Minister Varadkar at a recent Committee meeting and I asked him to increase the fuel allowance, this call went ignored."

(CD/MH)