Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)

I seek the adjournment of the Dáil for a debate on an issue of national importance under Standing Order 32, namely, the cuts to the fuel allowance and household benefits which will have a devastating effect on many people in my constituency of Dublin North-West, where thousands of residents are struggling to make ends meet with higher taxes, levies, gas and electricity bills, the proposed water and household charges and now these cuts to the most basic of provisions. People will not be able to take these cuts and the Government is playing with people's lives. The fuel allowance is especially crucial to stave off fuel poverty, which presents the real possibility of people freezing in their homes this winter. We cannot allow this and this cannot be swept under the carpet and ignored.

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