Arabic version: وزراء أيرلندا الشمالية يوافقون على دفع 100 جنيه إسترليني لزيت التدفئة للأسر

According to BBC News,

Stormont ministers have approved extra money to widen a support package for households which use home heating oil. The executive has pledged £19.2m to go along with the £17m already set aside for the scheme from the UK government. That will see up to 340,000 households receiving a £100 payment to go towards their heating oil bills. It will apply to households with a combined income of £30,000 or less or those on certain benefits including the state pension. The payment will come in the form of a pre-paid voucher, with people asked to apply online according to Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, whose department will take the lead in distributing the payments.

While the details of the scheme are still being finalized, including necessary legislation and eligibility checks, Minister Lyons emphasized that this initiative aims to provide targeted support for those in need. He acknowledged the lengthy process of developing the scheme but expressed a commitment to ensure it is implemented correctly. However, he described the measure as a short-term solution, indicating that further government action will be necessary to address ongoing financial pressures.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that the executive is facing a budget at breaking point. She noted that all ministers expressed concerns during a recent meeting, and there is a desire to engage with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to advocate for additional support. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly echoed this sentiment, urging the UK government to utilize its financial resources to assist those struggling in Northern Ireland.

The issue of rising fuel costs has been exacerbated by global events, including the US-Israel war with Iran. Recent protests by farmers in Northern Ireland have drawn attention to the escalating costs of fuel, energy, and fertilizers. The executive has been in discussions about a multi-year budget since January, which would allow for more effective long-term planning, but reaching an agreement has proven challenging due to significant pressures on key departments such as health and education.