Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The two caricatures again. Enough.

Social welfare rates have not increased for two years and tens of thousands of people are out of work. We have multiple warnings about electricity blackouts due to rising demand from data centres and two gas plants are closed for maintenance. As the Tánaiste is aware, we recently had amber alerts in this area. Gas prices are soaring across Europe and we are worried about investment opportunities now, particularly the Intel issue. While the fuel allowance payment starts next week, the increase from last year has already been eaten up due to inflation. We all know the fuel allowance will rise again in the budget but it is a means-tested payment. Energy suppliers have been rapidly increasing their prices in recent weeks. Energia's latest increases were of 15.7% for electricity and 18.5% for gas. Many families are worried about these price increases and how to heat their homes. If there is a cold snap this winter, will the Government guarantee that we will have enough gas supply to keep the lights on and the radiators warm? What will the Government do to control prices? Will it freeze rents now? How will it protect vulnerable households at risk of increased bills, particularly when it comes to utilities? For those who do not qualify, will the Government commit to broadening the means test of the fuel allowance, a step which would be welcomed across this House?

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