Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)

Over 300,000 households are in electricity arrears, while 1 million will see hikes in their electricity bills this month. At the same time, wholesale energy prices have dropped by 75% from the peak of the energy crisis. Earlier the Taoiseach asked where the pressure was on these energy companies. I agree 100% with him. Where is the pressure on these energy companies? That is his job. Families are struggling between eating, electricity costs and heating their homes. I remind the Taoiseach the Government is currently sitting approximately €190 million from the windfall taxes brought in over the past couple of years. Why is the Government not using that money to alleviate the pressures on families who are really struggling? They will continue to struggle over the course of the winter.

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