Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)

Met Éireann has issued a status yellow weather warning for ten counties, with temperatures expected to fall to -3°C in parts of the country. People are now facing freezing conditions with some of the highest heating bills in Europe. The Government had a clear opportunity in the budget to target energy credits to those who need them the most. Instead, it decided to scrap them outright leaving vulnerable households afraid to turn the heating on. It is as if the cost-of-living crisis was forgotten about and ended by Fine Gael as soon as the election was over. The budget was a disaster for those already struggling to get by but the Tánaiste should not take my word for it. Social Justice Ireland, the ESRI and the Parliamentary Budget Office have all concluded that the budget is pushing more people into poverty. Will the Government reverse its decision to push more people into poverty? Will it bring in a targeted energy credit to help those who need it most?

See this speech in context