Máire Devine (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

The cost of every single aspect of life in Ireland has been on a constant upward trajectory since Covid arrived in 2020. Yes, we can point to Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a cause for the increase in energy costs, which in turn caused food prices to increase around the world, but when energy costs eventually decreased, our food and goods prices did not follow. Supply costs are impacted by the global climate emergency, yet Ireland is not making the efforts necessary to meet its climate goals.

A family in my constituency recently talked to me. They are choosing between insuring their home or their health or putting food on the table. The price of everything have gone up, in particular milk, butter and other dairy products. Prices overall have increased by over 30%. If a typical family of four were paying €120 per week on groceries before Covid, then the annual price increase is now crippling and hard-earned money does not go far. Where exactly does the increase go? We have seen Tesco's stock prices increase by 30% and SuperValu's stock by nearly 61%, well outpacing prospective market index increase rates, while farmers are getting squeezed. We need transparency. The Social Democrats are calling for this. We need accountability.

Food banks are experiencing a massive increase in demand and more children are living in poverty and homelessness than ever before. It is shameful. What we see around our city is shameful. The Minister of State's avoidant response reminds one of the sarcastic expression that has been around since the 1920s, "What's that got to do with the price of bread?" A cost-of-living package is essential. Please provide one.

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