Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As Sinn Féin's spokesperson for older people, I raise the cost-of-living crisis. The Government's inaction is unacceptable amid spiralling rent, food and energy costs. It is disheartening that those in their senior years face uncertainty and hardship. Myself and my colleagues are regularly contacted by older folks who just do not know how they will make ends meet. I will mention the case of an 80-year-old pensioner living on his own who received a gas bill for an eye-watering €1,200. When his family engaged with the gas provider, as the Government suggested, they were told in the bluntest of ways that there was nothing it could do. This elderly gentleman worked for State services for over 42 years but he is having to choose between heating and eating thanks to the Government's inaction. Older people are struggling now and they need support now, not in October. I heard the Minister respond to Deputy Clarke on Leaders' Questions. He said we need action. He also said he was disappointed that Sinn Féin told the Government it was sitting on its hands. He should get used to it because that is exactly what it is doing. How is the Government going to pay this man's bill?

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