Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú) | Oireachtas source

It is ten days since Tara Mines closed and 2,000 people are facing job losses. Workers are facing a deadline of 14 July before the mines are put under care and maintenance. After that, 650 workers will be laid off. I commend SIPTU on its work in putting solutions to Boliden that could save up to €70 million. Boliden has obviously engaged with the Ministers, Deputies Coveney and Humphreys, on this matter. A key element is the Government's role. Currently, the Government is taking more taxes from energy than ever before.

We have a situation where Ireland has the highest cost base for electricity. Per unit, the cost is double the European average at the moment. What is the Government going to do to reduce inflated electricity costs?

The other issue is that families are now facing a substantial collapse in income, an income cliff edge, in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis. What social welfare supports will be provided? Will the Government provide Covid-like support for families on top of the social welfare support that is normally given in this situation?

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