Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The cost of living has gone through the roof, as has the heat from people's houses because they cannot afford to retrofit or insulate their attics. Central Statistics Office, CSO, figures indicate that inflation rose by 3.7% over the past 12 months to the end of September, which is the highest rate since 2008. The cost of electricity, gas, oil and petrol and diesel has increased by 20%, 14%, 45% and 15%, respectively. Today, a report was published that stated rents are 6.8% higher than they were this time last year. The cost of living is out of control.

I take on board some factors that influence the increase are outside the Government's control. However, it is a question of how the Government responds to these challenges. The Government has choices to protect people on lower incomes, ensure the lights stay on, putting workers and families first and in regard to the carbon tax. The carbon tax is a brutal and punitive measure. The people who can least afford it are those who have to pay it. It is in the everyday cost of living. The petrol to get to work, the gas to cook dinner and oil to heat homes are all needed and this carbon tax affects them.

We are in a climate crisis but taxing our way out of this crisis is the wrong approach. We all want to save the planet but sometimes, I wonder what planet the Government is on. People who are affected by this have different choices to make. They can choose between heating their home or putting food on the table. They can choose between leaving the lights on or sitting in the dark. They can choose between filling the car with fuel or buying presents for Christmas. These are the choices people have to make. There is a new phenomenon occurring. As public representatives, we have all been asked in the past to get sleeping bags for people who are homeless. We are now getting sleeping bags for people who are in their homes just to keep them warm.

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