Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

It is important that we help our people through what is, unfortunately, an historic period of high international fuel prices caused by international events - not just what we now see as the war in Ukraine, but a variety of factors that are outside our control. At the start, the Government's response was to monitor the situation constantly. This year's budget contains significant increases in social welfare that are designed to help those who are most at risk of fuel poverty. There has also been a significantly increased allocation for energy efficiency measures, which target those on low incomes in particular. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has given my Department all the capability it needs to help people become more energy efficient in that way.

It was appropriate of us to deploy various other additional measures: the reduction in public transport fares, increased help with medical prescription charges and, of more importance, the direct credit payment of €200, which is likely to appear on most people's bills this April. That payment was the most effective and fastest measure and, in comparison with what other European countries are doing, is in line with best practice and with what was recommended by the European Commission.

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