Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I dtús báire gabhaim buíochas le mo chomhghleacaí an Teachta Louise O'Reilly as an rún seo a chur os comhair an Tí. The cost of buying groceries in Ireland soared by more than 15% in the year to January 2023. In addition, the rate of inflation in supermarkets had reached one of the highest levels ever recorded by retail. The cost of essential basic products has risen sharply and has added to the stresses and pressures families face in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis and at a time when energy bills are sky-rocketing. It is important that companies do not take undue advantage of these constantly rising prices of groceries and engage in profiteering as families are forced to buy essentials at inflated prices. Essentials, such as milk, cheese and butter, have all increased in price. Consumers are experiencing record food inflation rates, which are much higher than the general rate of inflation. The price of a 2l carton of whole milk has risen by €0.53 or more than 36% in comparison with prices last year. The price of a carton of eggs and a packet of butter both rose by slightly more than 22%.

Everyone is affected but the people who are least able to absorb these soaring prices are those in receipt of welfare benefits, low income families and pensioners. Economically disadvantaged households face a higher effective inflation rate because they spend more of their income on essentials such as energy and basic goods. It has proven difficult for families to keep their heads above water as they struggle to cope with a deluge of rising costs across the board. Increases in mortgage rates and spiralling rents have added to the financial burden of many households. Rising food prices and the cost-of-living crisis have a greater impact on such households, leave them at greater risk of poverty and result in a significant fall in their standard of living. Many in my constituency of Dublin North-West are experiencing hardship as they are unable to keep up with rising energy prices and the rising cost of groceries. Such households are disproportionately affected by this crisis. There are real long-term consequences for many of these struggling families. It is affecting their well-being and mental health, especially as they sink deeper into debt and arrears. The longer the Government waits to respond to this energy emergency and to implement measures, the greater the risk of families falling into poverty. The Government must not be complacent at a time when people are struggling. The least it can do is to increase social welfare and pension payments and ensure savings by retail groups are passed on to consumers. The Minister of State must inject a sense of urgency into addressing this crisis.

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