Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Rural Independent Group for bringing forward this motion. This is the second month in a row in which we have debated a motion that seeks action to address an energy crisis. The Government does not care that workers and families are struggling to pay the increase cost of bills. Last month, the Government and its supporters, including both of my constituency colleagues, voted against a motion that would have made a real difference. That motion would have set a maximum unit price on electricity, gas and home heating oil under section 62 of the Consumer Protection Act 2007. The choice is in the Government's hands, but time after time it chooses vested interests over the needs of people.

This crisis must be recognised and we need real action to relieve the pressure ordinary workers and families are under. We are facing our second winter of this pandemic and families have been through enough following a tough year. Many have been laid off work and have been ill or have lost loved ones. They have experienced difficult financial circumstances and they need help. Instead of throwing them a lifeline, the Government is offering them a rock. There is a cost of living crisis and it needs to be addressed.

While there is also a climate crisis, loading carbon taxes on the working poor who cannot afford to change heating systems or install renewable technology is not the answer. As other Members have stated, there have been at least 35 energy price increases by suppliers this year. Household bill costs have skyrocketed by more than €800. Electricity prices in Ireland are the highest in the EU. The Money Advice & Budgeting Service has warned that households face a potential emergency this winter in trying to heat their homes, which Deputy O'Reilly has just explained to the Minister of State. As energy prices soar higher, voters will remember who stood up for them when it comes to the next election. I urge all Deputies to support this motion.

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