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

The cost-of-living crisis is one of the main issues raised in my constituency office every day. The rising cost of energy and the fear that people will not be able to keep the lights on should be a priority for Government. I acknowledge the measures in the Bill in respect of the energy credits to be given over the coming months but my constituents are telling me that, despite these measures, they do not have certainty. What good is the credit if the bills continue to rise? For those on prepay meters, what good is the credit if they have no guarantee they will not be cut off? People want certainty.

In our alternative budget, Sinn Féin gave certainty. We set out to cap the energy prices at pre-crisis 2021 levels. This is what a government that priorities the needs of hard-working people and families would do. As has already been said, Sinn Féin has tabled several amendments to the Bill, including one proposing the extension of the scheme to 2025 to allow the Government to react quickly if more payments are needed down the line. We also have proposed amendments to provide certainty that prepay users will not be disconnected. The arrears limit needs to be removed for this to happen.

People with multiple properties should not receive multiple payments. The current scheme does not prioritise those who need the most support. For example, no one in this House should be receiving the same credit as ordinary workers and families. I did the maths on this and €132,000 worth of energy credits will be given to Deputies and Senators. That is not right. This money would be better spent on those who need it most, people who are really struggling. There are people in my area who are accessing food banks because they cannot afford their shopping bills. Again, that choice between eating and heating is coming up. If the Government is serious about giving certainty to people, it will accept and support our amendments, which prioritise those who need support the most. Everything must be done to ensure the lights stay on this winter. We are already facing a winter of discontent; we must not face a winter of disconnect.

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