Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

Does the Minister acknowledge that the Government is a major driver of inflation due to cost increases and stealth charges? I refer in particular to the increases in health charges, VHI, the cost of beds etc. announced in the budget. Fuel and gas prices have gone through the roof. Many people, including many older people, have had a €200 increase in their gas bills over the winter. The increase in mortgage repayments will cost many families potentially an extra €200 a month. To cap it all, we were told today there will be a further 4% increase in electricity and fuel costs due to the Government's failure to provide for Kyoto agreement arrangements. Under this Government, electricity prices have risen 61%——

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