Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys has said she is examining the possibility of extending the fuel allowance to people over 66 years of age.
She said it had been expanded to people over 70 in last year's budget and it had been a "very, very welcome measure".
Speaking in Tullamore, the Minister said: "This year I am looking at, maybe, reducing that age to 66, when they retire. That's something I'm looking at [in Budget 2025]."
She added: "The one thing we don't want is older people in their own home afraid to turn on the heating."
The Minister also indicated there would be a child benefit double payment at Christmas.
There are currently more than 177,000 over-70 households in receipt of fuel allowance.
It is paid at a rate of €33 per week for 28 weeks between September and April.
