Fianna Fáil is urging older people living in Ireland to apply for the Winter Fuel allowance before the deadline on 15 September.

The Department of Social Protection has agreed for the allowance to be paid in two lump sums of €292.50 in October and the remaining €292.50 in January or people may continue to receive the weekly payments of €22.50.

TD for Mayo Dara Calleary said: "This is a very positive development as it will allow people to buy larger quantities of fuel and avail of the discounts associated with bulk buying. Equally, it will allow people with oil heating to fill their tanks ahead of the winter cold spell, without having to worrying about paying such a large bill.

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"We need to remember that pensioners have fixed incomes and it can be very difficult to pull together two or three hundred euros to pay for a delivery of oil.

"I am calling on people to ensure that if they want to receive the lump sum payments they ensure that they have their applications filled out and sent to the Department of Social Protection by the 15th September so that their payments can be logged and paid on time."

(CD/LM)