Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)

This month the Department of Finance published its economic projections. The State will run a combined surplus this year and next of €15 billion. At the same time, the Government tells workers and families they are on their own and there will be no cost-of-living package in this year's budget. Does the Government simply not get it or is it ignoring the plight of ordinary people who are under serious pressure due to the cost of living? We have double digit rent increases. We have the highest electricity prices in Europe. The cost of insurance is going through the roof - up 9%. The cost of groceries is going up. The cost of petrol and diesel will go up again in September courtesy of the Government.

The Government also put up the price of gas and home heating oil just last week. That is why 50% of families do not have enough to get them through the next three months if something goes wrong. It is why one in eight single parents cannot put a roast dinner on the table, according to the CSO. By any measure, the Government is failing to get to grips with people's real needs here and now. It has ruled out a cost-of-living package. The Government needs to come to its senses and commit to a cost-of-living package to alleviate the pressure on so many families right across this State.

See this speech in context