Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

If we are serious, the Minister has a job of work to do now. Over 300,000 people are in arrears on their energy bills. The Minister for energy has announced that there will be a 9% rise in energy prices, so more and more people will go into arrears. What is the plan? Has the Minister devised a plan in his Department to support affected people and let them know support exists?

The fuel allowance ends today. In the next week, we will see temperatures drop to 5°C. What about those people who are going to struggle, who cannot afford to turn on their heating? It is going to be cold and the fuel allowance is to end.

Let me put on the record the view of a 21-year-old who is trying to pay rent. The person says the cost of living has reached a point where it feels impossible to get ahead. They add that everyday expenses like those related to food, rent and bills are becoming overwhelming, and despite working hard, it feels like there is no real support available. I have a list of people crying out for support. The Minister needs to do more.

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