Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)

Electricity costs are out of control, and we already have one of the highest electricity prices in Europe. We are approximately €350 more than the average. Now costs are being jacked up again. We have seen double-digit hikes by many of the electricity suppliers. That is putting even more pressure on families who are really struggling. It should not be that difficult to keep the lights on and to afford the basics such as food. So many families are struggling at the moment and there has never been a focus from the Government on driving costs down in the long term. Instead, this and previous Governments have focused on once-off and short-term measures. In fact, it gifted approximately €115 million through energy credits to second homes and holiday homes, which is a complete and absolute waste of public money. I welcome that the Taoiseach is now talking about targeted measures because that is exactly the approach the Social Democrats have been calling on for such a long time. Will he please tell me how he will target those measures, and how he will hold those energy companies to account as he previously stated?

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