A Fine Gael TD is calling for lower oil prices - particularly for the elderly.

Dublin South-Central TD Catherine Byrne says it is very important that lower prices are passed on to all consumers, especially pensioners who can struggle with the cost of heating their homes.

Some 80,000 new jobs have been created in the last two and a half years with many emigrants returning to Ireland.

Ms Byrne says that with this improved economy, the government can afford to give a little back to the people who need it most.

She says it was considered a priority to maintain the level of the state pension, to protect one of the most vulnerable groups in society.

And Ms Byrne says the government should continue protecting the elderly.