Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Rural Independent Group for the opportunity to speak on this important matter.

As the previous speaker said, one of the areas the Government has refused so far to consider is the decoupling of gas from electricity prices. Currently, the price of gas dictates the price of all electricity. This is pushing bills through the roof, even for renewable electricity. While we can produce electricity from wind and solar at relatively low prices, the current system means that this energy is sold at the same rate as gas-generated electricity.

Shamefully, last October the Government strongly opposed a proposal at EU level to decouple electricity from gas prices. Other countries took action to address this issue but as recently as June of this year, the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, reiterated his total opposition to decoupling gas and electricity prices. However, the Minister seems to have done a complete U-turn on the issue now in saying he supports decoupling. Why did the Minister oppose this option until now? Did the Government prioritise the considerable profits of energy companies ahead of the interests of citizens and their ability to afford to keep their home warm during this winter?

Keeping the lights on is a Sinn Féin priority in the months ahead. Some workers and families will be faced by stark choices this winter. It could be quite simply a choice between eating and heating. This is the reality unless measures are introduced now that will help our people get through this cost-of-living crisis. Targeted financial measures aimed at those workers and families who are impacted most are needed, not universal measures where the wealthiest get the same financial assistance as everyone else. Deputies should not get energy credits. Nobody in this House should get them.

We need to make sure there are supports in place for small and medium-sized businesses this winter. The Government needs to ensure they are supported. For example, my local butcher is a small business that employs local and provides a valuable local service. This business has been in operation for 14 years. It has faced considerable increases in the cost of electricity. Three months ago, the monthly electricity bill was €1,400. The latest monthly bill was €3,200, and increase of 128% increase in three months. This is not sustainable. My butcher informed me that he could be only two bills away from closing his business, which has worked well for 14 years and survived all the restrictions it faced during Covid. The Government's abject failure to address the energy and cost-of-living crises could put this business under. I am calling for measures to be introduced that would keep small businesses afloat this winter and into next year.

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