Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Judging by what the Government plans to implement today, it is obvious that it is still intent on continuing with the relaxed attitude to addressing the crisis that families and businesses are facing right now. There is one particular identifier when it comes to this Government. It will hold out until the last minute, and when an action needs to be taken, it will always stop short of doing what people really need. While people are genuinely panicking out there, the Taoiseach is saying that he is prevented from making any further cuts to the cost of motor fuel, when we know that there is nothing stopping him from cutting it further. Sinn Féin proposed to reduce the cost of motor fuel and to peg it a reduced charge, but the Government is again waiting. It is dithering, as it is prone to do. Then it underdelivers and the people pay.

People know, and they have told me today, that half the measures the Government intends to introduce will be out of date even before they come into effect. I have heard of petrol stations that have said they will not be passing on the Government's cuts because of increased wholesale prices. Whatever the reason here, the fact is there is no longevity in the Government's cuts. This is urgent. People cannot wait any longer for the Government to stop hesitating and do something with real teeth. That is why we have submitted amendments. If the Government will not do it, we must try to force the Government to do it. One of our amendments seeks to reduce the cost of home heating oil by as much as €100 on a fill currently worth €1,000 by removing excise duty on home heating oil. To resist this amendment would be to deliver a cruel blow to many families out there who, even before the invasion of Ukraine, were making the choice between eating and heating their homes. More needs to be done.

The Government introduced budget 2022 which contained little more than token gestures. February's announcement was more of the same, but with one crucial difference. It directly insulted the people of rural Ireland by telling them they would get a reduction in public transport fares. What about the people of rural Ireland who have to drive everywhere? What about the people of rural Ireland who have farms to run, families to feed and households to support? They have to contend with less grain at increased cost, high fertiliser prices and no action is taken. The cost-of-living crisis facing people in rural Ireland is not going to be resolved by a reduction and cutting of fares in non-existent public transport. The challenge that this Government is facing is that it will not recognise what it is that workers and families need. Again, I appeal to the Government not to ignore the amendments that we have submitted today. We are standing up for the people. We are making proposals that are in their interest in the knowledge that they are going through the most difficult of times and need help with making ends meet. Contrary to the Taoiseach's claim, excise on diesel can be reduced by more than 15 cent. I want to remind everyone that the Dáil is not sitting next week. If measures are not taken today, people at the pin of their collars will be left waiting by the Government for weeks.

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