David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Undoubtedly there is volatility and uncertainly around the world. There is also volatility and uncertainty faced by so many families who are struck by, and who are dealing with, all of these increases, particularly in rising energy costs. The Minister has said he cannot take to his feet and say to people with all credibility that he will continue with the supports that were previously put in place. The Minister says this knowing that price increases are on the way. What he has not said is that during the course of the election campaign his party leader was well able to stand up and commit during the course of the campaign to cut electricity prices. During the election campaign we had one story for those struggling householders that we would cut energy costs and now he is coming in, knowing and being told by the experts that energy prices will increase, and saying that the supports for those families will be cut and rolled back. It is simply not good enough. What are people faced with? They are faced with five more years of increases.

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