The organisation that represents older people is calling on the government to increase the fuel allowance.

Age Action Ireland says it knows of pensioners so poor they are forced to choose between medication, food and heat.

Temperatures have taken a dip in recent days with wintry showers, leaving many elderly residents housebound.

But the group claims little is being done to help.

Spokesperson Eamon Timmins says older people particularly need to keep warm during the winter.