Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move:

That Seanad Éireann: agrees that:

-while Ireland rebounded strongly from the challenges of the pandemic, in recent months it has become increasingly clear that the increase in energy prices is rendering the international economic outlook very serious;

- these inflationary pressures on the price of energy have been exacerbated, to an enormous degree, by the illegal and reprehensible Russian invasion of Ukraine;

-with this invasion, increased energy prices became a very real challenge for households and businesses in Ireland - bringing with them great concern and worry;

-we must ensure that our people are supported in the face of rising costs of living, that the services they expect are effectively delivered and enhanced, and that we are making the investments necessary to ensure a prosperous future;

-we need to prioritise protecting those most vulnerable in society, those dependent on medical equipment at home as well as assist families and businesses to cope with these rapidly increased energy costs;

-Budget 2023 will be a cost-of-living budget, and must contribute to, a larger perspective, of medium and longer-term challenges, including climate, demography, housing and public service demands;

-addressing these challenges is not easy and will require sustained and consistent efforts over many years;

acknowledges that the Government:

-has acted and will continue to act in response to the challenge rising prices are having on households and businesses;

-has already taken steps to help through grants to households for energy costs, temporary reductions in excise duties and VAT on fuel, and through substantial targeted supports for those most vulnerable in receipt of the fuel allowance;

-as during Covid-19, will work in partnership with Trade Unions, employers and other stakeholders in responding to these unprecedented energy cost challenges;

-will maintain a carefully calibrated and targeted response to the inflation challenge and to balance addressing the rising cost of living while not chasing inflation;

-can, must and will continue to help, it cannot mitigate the entire burden of inflation;

and calls on the Government to:

-ensure, to the greatest extent possible, measures are focused on those who need them most;

-continue sustainable investment, prioritising strategically important investment, in housing, in our public services and in climate action;

-provide specific and targeted financial support to households and businesses to help with the soaring cost of energy prices and to prevent job losses;

-proactively engage with energy companies to address rising energy prices for households;

-prioritise the development of renewable energy infrastructure, including expediting planning decisions for such infrastructure;

-carefully manage the risks we face, including the increased corporation tax receipts to our exchequer returns. I wish to share time with Senator Murphy.