Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Beannachtaí na féile. A very happy International Women's Day to you and to all.

The price of energy and fuel has literally soared over the past year and, of course, prices have risen even more rapidly following the criminal Russian invasion of Ukraine, which, as we know, has resulted in an unprecedented disruption in the global energy market. The cost of petrol at the pumps has increased by 70 cent per litre since January last year. We are now at a point where many people can no longer afford to put fuel in a car to get to work. This is particularly difficult for people who live in remote and rural areas or places where there is no access to frequent public transport.

In that same timeframe, since January last year, the price of home heating oil has doubled and households are now being charged more than €700 for a half fill of oil. Families now struggle to keep their homes warm and I know many people are layering with clothes instead. Some are just heating one room or not heating their home at all. Other people, particularly seniors, are staying in bed to stay warm. These fuel cost hikes are not sustainable for any worker, family or small business. As the Taoiseach knows, people are already hammered by extortionate rents, unaffordable house prices and ever-rising insurance and childcare costs. The cost of living was out of control anyway.

In fairness, the Government now recognises that what was announced in February does not go far enough to alleviate these pressures, but yet it seems it is not ready to take action this week to reduce the cost of fuel. I put it to the Taoiseach that people cannot wait any longer for relief because they must put fuel in their cars today. They must pay for home heating oil today. Indeed, many wonder if they can afford to do that or if they will have to decide which bill goes unpaid at the end of the week. It is wrong that people must make these kinds of choices and it is not a way to live a decent life.

Tá praghas ar bhreosla ag ardú arís agus ní féidir le hoibrithe, le teaghlaigh agus le gnólachtaí beaga coinneáil suas leis. Caithfidh an Rialtas dleacht máil ar pheitril agus ar dhíosal a ghearradh agus é a bhaint óna leithéide. Tabharfaidh sé seo sos atá ag teastáil go géar ó dhaoine.

I will set out for the Taoiseach what we believe needs to happen. The Government must cut the price of petrol and diesel through an immediate reduction in excise duty. At the pumps we can get prices down by 25 cent per litre immediately by cutting excise duty. Similarly, the spiralling cost of home heating oil could be cushioned with the immediate and total removal of excise duty. The Dáil will not sit next week so these measures must be introduced now as a matter of urgency, and it can be done. A financial resolution to immediately reduce excise duty on petrol and diesel and to remove excise duty from home heating oil could be passed today. This is the method used to increase or decrease excise duties in the budget, and as we know those changes are typically made overnight.

I ask that the Government does this now so that people can see an instant price reduction at the pumps and in their home heating oil bills by midnight.

I put it to the Taoiseach that he takes this course of action. It would make a huge difference to workers, families, businesses, hauliers and many providing school transport. They are literally at their wits' end. I am asking that a Financial Resolution be brought to the House tonight or tomorrow night. Sinn Féin will accommodate late sittings or whatever is required but we need to act on this matter now.

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