Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The astronomical increases in fuel costs have pushed hundreds of thousands of Irish households to the brink, and the statistics laid out in this motion are quite shocking. There have been more than 30 different price increases from energy suppliers in the past year, and costs have risen by around €500 per annum for the average household. Home heating oil has increased by more than €600 for 1,000 litres this year. Coal has increased by €4.50 per bag in the last week. We are expecting major increases in the coming weeks and months. Next month, gas will increase by 30% and coal by a further €2.50 per bag. These figures mean one thing for low and middle-income families. It means hardship and the real risk of poverty. We are aware that up to 475,000 households in Ireland are at risk of energy poverty. In January 37% of people reported having to cut back on essential heating and electricity use. This figure is much higher by now.

I am not sure that the Government fully appreciates the pressures that families are under, including those who have no choice but to use their own cars and who are struggling to keep them on the road. There are no supports available to most people to cope with this. The once-off payment from the Government is, unfortunately, a drop in the ocean when compared to the cost of energy. The measure to reduce excise duty does not include home heating, as we all know. The measure to extend the fuel allowance will only benefit those who already qualify for the payment. The exceptional needs allowance has been put forward by the Government as a solution but it does not apply to anybody who works more than 30 hours per week.

The motion puts forward a number of simple and practical measures that will help to ease the burden for people. I hope that this time around the Minister of State, Deputy Fleming, and his Government will listen, and that they will plan and act to help families through this very difficult time. I appreciate that the Government has introduced some measures but the Government is simply not doing enough, and it has heard this from everyone in this Chamber today. The Government needs to act now to plan to bring in measures over the forthcoming months to ease the burden on families and working people. Is the Government prepared to do this or turn a blind eye to it?

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