Fuel allowance recipients have now been given the option of receiving payments in two lump sums.

Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein welcomed the announcement.

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Social Protection Willie O'Dea TD said: "This initiative will help those who wish to buy fuel in bulk, thereby potentially securing discount offers.

"It is essential that the Government do all they can to address fuel poverty. According to Age Action, 7.5% of all pensioner households suffer fuel poverty and between 1,500 and 2,000 people die annually in Ireland from cold related illnesses, such as respiratory and cardiovascular illness, because they can’t afford to sufficiently heat their homes.

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"This is a small but welcome step by the Department. However, it is clear that people continue to suffer from the harsh and punitive measures introduced by Fine Gael during the last Government. More needs to be done to address fuel poverty and poverty in general. For too many people there is still no recovery."

Sinn Féin Social Protection spokesperson John Brady TD said: "This is a common sense proposal which Sinn Féin has previously raised with the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar when he was the Social Protection Ministers. At that time Minister Varadkar said it couldn't be done.

"This is just one measure to help tackle fuel poverty which affects 28% of households across the State."

(CD/LM)