Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support this motion and what it sets out to do. Ireland is one of the most expensive countries in the EU in which to live. In the past four years, the cost of energy rose by 58.3% and mortgage interest has surged by 60.3%. Food prices have risen by 15.4% and transport costs are up 18.7%. Statistics show that even when energy companies began to drop their prices last year, energy costs to consumers rose by 5.1% in the very same year. These tax hikes will increase tax on fuel significantly and there is a genuine fear that the cost will reach the €2 mark at some stage this year.

We need to ensure that life is more affordable, especially for those living in rural Ireland. They pay the highest price to run a car because, in most cases, they do not have any access to public transport. Even in rural towns such as Kilrush, finding a taxi is now becoming a major obstacle. In Clare, the owners of over 36,000 cars and over 4,500 vans will undoubtedly struggle even more with day-to-day duties.

Home carers, whom we absolutely need more of, have to travel to those they care for. They often have to travel to distant, remote areas of County Clare. I think of them when it comes to these hikes. How will they keep doing their job, pay their bills and keep food on the table? The proposed satellite haemodialysis campus at Ennis General Hospital, having gone to tender, is facing a delay and it is being reviewed. A response to a parliamentary question shows that the cost of the transportation of patients to UHL for treatment has significantly increased in six years. It has gone from €127,000 to over €204,000. People are asking why the Government is delaying necessary local services for people. In the end, they will foot the bill.

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