Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is clear to everyone except those in government that a significant number of people are suffering right now due to the cost-of-living crisis. Inflation is at its highest in four decades and we are hearing stories from Barnardos and other organisations that this level of deprivation and poverty has not been seen since the 1980s. This means real hunger, not being able to use electricity due to its high cost, and workers not being able to afford to fill their cars to get to work. In winter, it will mean families going hungry and sitting in the cold. As we head towards September, families will face extreme hardship in trying to get their children back to school. They have no idea how they will pay for uniforms, shoes, winter coats, books and school supplies.

While Sinn Féin recognises that international events have contributed to the increases in prices, it was disingenuous of the Taoiseach to blame the crisis in its entirety on the war in Ukraine. Ireland was struggling with a cost-of-living crisis before the war. People in Ireland pay way more for rent, childcare, utilities and most basics than people in other European countries, and have done so for many years. In addition, people in Ireland have higher mortgage interest rates. Since the war in Ukraine, the situation has been compounded to the stage where people are not able to survive. Ireland is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, yet working people cannot afford to house and feed their families. Young people are preparing to leave because they cannot afford to live here, even if they have decent jobs.

There is plenty the Government can do now. Ignoring the problem until the end of the year is a reckless dereliction of duty. Sinn Féin has outlined a package of measures in a mini-budget that will support lower- and middle-income households. There is plenty that could be done if the political will was there. A surplus of €1.6 billion is expected this year. The rising prices are raising revenue for the Government and that money needs to be given back to those in need.

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