Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Moving on from that sideshow, the cost of living is dramatically increasing and as the Tánaiste can appreciate, it is going to hit electricity and gas prices pretty hard. This will also have major consequences for renters and on food prices. In August, inflation hit a three-year high of 3%, which is the highest it has been since 2008, and according to all economists it is only going in one direction. The Government is genuinely facing a winter of discontent unless it acts on these issues, which affect people's everyday lives and living standards. Those renting will face more unsustainable rises because the Government refuses to put in place a rent freeze.

We know that in housing there are supply disruptions because of Brexit, Covid-19 and unreal construction material price inflation, which is having a massive impact. Contractors are pulling out of housing projects and other projects all around the country. I am sure other Deputies have heard that as well. People living on fixed incomes and social welfare payments who rely on gas and electricity to heat their homes face a very worrying winter.

Social welfare rates-----

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