Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We all accept we are in a situation that is far from perfect. We know that interest rates, inflation rates and all the rates one would not want to rise are rising. Unfortunately, the consumer, householder and citizen can feel all of this on a day-by-day basis. We must be able to offer them something so they can get through it. We all accept that employment, particularly highly paid employment, is a means of breaking poverty. However, a considerable number of people are falling into fuel poverty and becoming the working poor. We must facilitate them. They do not have alternatives to putting petrol or diesel in their cars. I understand we can still reduce their costs but it needs to be done straightaway. We also need to consider the cost of home-heating oil. We need to know what sorts of conversations the Government has had with the European Commission. What are the possibilities for cross-European mitigations? People need support as soon as possible. They are in dire need.

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