Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy got his chance. The same applies to natural gas, which costs 400p per therm today on international markets compared with 40p per therm last March. Gas prices have soared 220p per therm over the past week.

We are going to face a very difficult situation. I gave the figures on wages, which have increased over the past while. In terms of the Government's response, we have increased the fuel allowance from €630 to €1,039 since we came into office a little over a year and a half ago. If we add on the €200 electricity payment, that is €1,239 we are giving to low-income families. Basically, it is a doubling of support to low-income families in the context of fuel supports. We have also taken other measures to support families, either with medical costs or in respect of reducing transport fees from the end of April, which will benefit approximately 800,000 users, and by reducing school transport fees. The budget contained in the region of €1 billion in measures to support people on social protection and tax relief for workers of about €630 million.

We are and will be working with the European Commission in respect of the energy situation and energy prices. The European Commission will be coming forward with a further publication in that regard in the next ten days following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We are facing a very difficult situation because of the war and because of President Putin's behaviour and activity. There is no question about that. There are no easy answers. It is pointless coming in and making ideological points or whatever. That is the point I would make.

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