Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I agree entirely on the transition we need to make. There is huge opportunity and I am sure some of it will be covered later today in terms of what the Government can do to achieve our transition to renewables more speedily. However, this winter, families will be facing increases of over 30% in electricity and gas prices. That is on top of the increases we saw for dual fuel users of €800 in January 2022 when compared to January 2021. Families will not be able to cope. When we meet with St. Vincent de Paul or the Money Advice & Budgeting Service, they talk about people who are self-disconnecting for fear of the shame of actually being disconnected. Sinn Féin has called for a mini-budget and for additional measures in terms of fuel allowance, a discretionary fund and cash payments for people in need. The Minister knows very well that we need to see action before October. Energy providers are indicating they will be increasing prices during the summer and in September, which is going to drive people further into poverty. We need to see a response from the Government.

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