Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is always the case at this time of the year that lights in households are turned on earlier and more heating is required. Uniquely this year, more people have spent more time at home than usual and they face increased energy costs. I appreciate that the fuel allowance season was extended, that procedures were put in place and that disconnections were banned, all of which measures were of help to the families but they now face higher bills, which are mounting.

The Minister will probably know that, last December, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul published a document on the prevalence of energy poverty in Ireland. She may also know that in 2018 alone, the society spent €5 million just to assist families and households to meet their energy costs. That is an extraordinary amount of money. All the supports the Minister listed are clearly not making much sense when the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is spending €5 million in one year just to help people. That should sound alarm bells. I ask the Minister to consider fuel poverty in line with the budget.

See this speech in context