Those in receipt of the €20-a-week winter fuel allowance are to get an extra payment. The scheme was due to stop next week.
But the Social Protection Minister Joan Burton has announced it will be extended for one more week. The move will cost €8 million. This is to take the lengthy cold snap into account.
More cold weather forecast
Met Éireann has issued a yellow status weather warning for the north-east today.
Leinster, Cavan and Monaghan should expect snow and ice with accumulations of up to 5 centimetres in places.
AA Roadwatch says snow is affecting motorists particularly in parts of Leinster. They are urging drivers to be extra vigilant.
The fuel allowance is paid to people who are dependent on long term social welfare to assist with their heating needs. It is paid over 26 weeks from October and was due to end this year on Friday April 6th.
Minister Joan Burton says it will now be extended for an extra week but the Minister could have to cut a week off the allowance next winter as a result.
