Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Figures released to me following a parliamentary question show that the number in Cork seeking support from their local social welfare office rose in 2021 from 100 to 461 families. This is a shocking indictment of the Government's complete failure to tackle the cost of living crisis for ordinary families and individuals who should be at the core of policy. Last year, Eirtricity, which is supposedly a 100% renewable electricity provider, increased its profits by 221% in the first six months of the year alone. The Minister more than anyone else should know the price of wind did not go up last year but without decoupling gas and electricity prices, there is no reward for people who choose to use renewable energy to power their homes.

These price increases cannot be justified. The Minister is in charge. PrepayPower, which increased its energy prices seven times in the past two years, saw its profits rise by over €8 million in 2022. We are talking about some of the most vulnerable customers in the State who have waited months for the Government to explain how its winter disconnection ban will apply to them and who have no choice but to use meters because they are so vulnerable. Barnardos reports that one in ten parents used a food bank in the past 12 months. The Taoiseach may dispute this because it is does not look good for him and does not suit his narrative but these are the facts. This is what is happening on the ground. Poverty is being forced on parents and children in this State. We have not seen this for a very long time.

It is not just about people struggling to pay their rent or electricity bills. Parents are now unable to send their children on school trips or pay their children's club membership fees. This is having a much more profound effect on all these people. There are people who are profiting from the poverty and misery of ordinary people and this is happening on the Minister's watch. This Government is allowing this to happen.

Deputy Doherty has been advocating a windfall tax for over a year. Fine Gael has fought it tooth and nail. Shame on the Green Party for allowing the profiteers, the big energy companies, to get away with it.

See this speech in context