Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Let me put this to the Tánaiste. This report is not just expected. We knew it was going to happen because the Government has failed to act to protect the most vulnerable. This is a report of shame. One in three households is in energy poverty. The Tánaiste is not a commentator. He is the Tánaiste and the leader of a party in government. We need action now.

There are four weeks left in this sitting of the Dáil. There are people who are going to St. Vincent de Paul and people who are queuing up for food parcels today. There are people sitting at home wondering how they are going to meet their bills next week. They need Government action right here, right now. The Tánaiste says the Government will assess how prices work out in the medium term. Open your eyes. We know they are only going in one direction. The ESRI points that out. Energy prices will continue to rise in the autumn. Even if they do not, people are struggling in the here and now. They need action from Government. Is the Minister for Finance on board with bringing in new measures, which would be the first time, contrary to what the Taoiseach and the Minister have said? When will the Government make a decision on such measures?

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