Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The motion condemns the dithering by the Government, despite the urgency of the cost-of-living crisis. This statement is true because compared with our EU counterparts the Government has not responded in a proportionate way up to now. TheFinancial Times analysis, which covered September 2021 to August 2022, examined the funding allocated to households and businesses to shield them from the cost-of-living crisis as a percentage of GDP. Greece was top of the list at approximately 4.6%; Italy was at 3%; France at 1.8%; the UK at 1.5%; and Ireland at 0.25%. That tells its own tale. I acknowledge we are expecting a significant increase in budget expenditure but up to now we are way behind and budget day will have to deliver a budget bazooka to deliver the package that households and businesses need because the bills of so many small businesses, service providers, farmers and families are out of control at this stage. This evening, as we debate in this House, many are struggling to pay previous bills and the thought of what is facing them in the coming weeks and months is paralysing many. We needed an emergency budget before the summer recess. The cost-of-living crisis is not starting in budget week for my constituents in counties Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon or Donegal. It started nine months ago, and while I wait to hear about the specific Government actions, many families, households and businesses are struggling badly.

I fully support the call for a windfall tax. Some companies are making obscene profits on the backs of struggling families. Their businesses will flourish, while SMEs, delicatessens, small service providers and restaurants will close their doors and farmers will be unable to pay their bills. We should have moved much earlier, like other EU member states did. When the operating profits of Bord Gáis Energy grew by 74% in the first half of this year while the ESB, Energia and SSE Airtricity will see their income from wind energy increase sixfold, it is reasonable to say we are late to this table. In any suite of measures we need to see a substantial increase in the income threshold eligibility for fuel allowance, a significant increase in fuel allowance and much broader eligibility scope for carers and all those with disabilities.

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