Johnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Over the past few years we have witnessed a steep and relentless climb in fuel prices, a trend that has become a significant contributor to the deepening poverty among our people. It is a punishing reality that those who use the road to earn their living by car, van, tractor or lorry are met with the harsh penalty of soaring fuel costs amid an already crippling cost-of-living crisis. The repercussions of these escalating costs are felt throughout my constituency of Meath West and beyond. With the Government's decision in last October's budget to restore the higher excise duty on fuel to the level it was at before the temporary cut in 2022, fuel will now be hovering at a staggering €1.80 to €1.90 a litre. For families living in County Meath needing to run two cars, it is another hammer blow. Broadband, TV and mobile phone companies are also expected to increase the price of their services in the coming weeks.

Fuel, tech, energy, food, rent, entertainment, healthcare, etc., are all managing to syphon thousands of euro from hard-hit household budgets all over the country. That is not to mention mortgages where the annual cumulative impact of ten ECB interest rate increases since July 2022 could have added an eye-watering €5,000 per year for tracker mortgage holders, with fixed and variable mortgage holders suffering also - that is if people can actually afford to buy a house anywhere. Worst of all, the high cost of living in Ireland is forcing thousands to look beyond our shores and emigrate.

The Minister's acknowledgement of the hardship faced by households and businesses contrasts starkly with the Government's decision to permit successive fuel hikes. This in effect stands as a silent witness to the suffering of people bearing the brunt of the cost-of-living crisis. The latest monthly fuel price survey by AA Ireland paints a grim picture with a surge in petrol and diesel prices marking the highest figures of 2024 with increases of 13 cent for petrol and 9 cent for diesel since January alone. Over three years, fuel prices have increased by more than 30%. The prices of fuel, housing, rent, groceries and so on have soared under this Government, leaving many to rely on the help of charitable organisations or food hampers and vouchers. However, the necessity to fuel their vehicles is other financial burden as the daily routines of transporting children to schools, college and various other commitments must be done. The Government has failed to uphold the interest of the people we all pledged to represent.

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