Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)

I urge the Minister to address this matter post haste and, in particular, to examine what can be done in the budget. He should consider the miserable fuel allowance of €14, the low number of fuel units that people are allowed in respect of electricity and the appalling response of the Government to those who need assistance with their fuel bills. It is not just low-income families who are being pummelled by soaring fuel prices. Families with relatively comfortable incomes are also feeling the increasing pinch on household budgets as family fuel costs soar above €2,000. If one adds the various costs together, they are heading for €3,000. This issue was discussed when I was on a radio programme with one of the Acting Chairman's colleagues. When we spoke on 98FM about the size of household gas bills, for example, people came on the airwaves to read from their bills, citing figures of over €1,500 per annum. The Government's response has been to act like a bemused bystander. It wants the electorate to think there is nothing it can do, but the electorate will remember.

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