Conor Murphy (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. The motion tonight is a brave attempt by the Government parties to put a bit of a sticking plaster over the discontent that spilled onto our roads over the past number of weeks. The offering by the Government in response gives only basic supports to those in the haulage and farming industries and little else for the majority of the public. There is nothing for home heating oil, only delayed increases in the carbon tax and only temporary reductions in excise duties on petrol, diesel and marked gas oil.

In a time of abundance the Government's largesse has been very selective. Last week we learned of a predicted general Government surplus of over €9 billion for this year, with another predicted €9 billion for the following year. That makes the introduction of an emergency budget an option that is open to the Government. The reality of life for the majority of citizens across this State is that they are counting every euro like they never have before. The cost of food and basic groceries has skyrocketed and the cost of fuel and home heating oil is soaring. These are the necessities of life; not luxuries. The energy regulator, as Senator Joe Conway said, published figures yesterday confirming that almost 317,000 households were behind on their electricity bill in February. More than half of these households are in debt for over 90 days and the number is growing every day. The average amount now owed stands at almost €500, which is an increase of almost €65 on last year.

The motion congratulates the Government for its prudent fiscal management but it seems to have forgotten already that ordinary workers, lorry drivers, and farmers were left with no option but to take to the roads to make their voices heard. This is an example of how out of touch the Government has become. Its fiscal management brought the State to a standstill.

Sinn Féin has brought a sensible proposal to the Government to introduce an emergency budget that cuts the cost of electricity by delivering energy credits to families and reduces the tax on fuel, thereby bringing it to affordable levels. We also need a social welfare package that supports people who are struggling, including carers, older people and disabled people and a permanent cut to the universal social charge that will put money back in workers' pockets. If the Government wants to talk up its annual progress report that is fine but for citizens across this State, the key takeaway is that at a time of unprecedented wealth the Government does not recognise their struggles in the here and now. According to the Taoiseach, they can wait until October's budget for any help that may come, if at all.

I am pleased about the predictions of a budget surplus and that the economy is resilient but there is so much more that could be done to help people who are struggling. The motion congratulates the Government but the measures have fallen far short. That has been the clear message from the people who protested, and since then, in terms of the real experience of struggling families on the ground. I do not see how my party could support a motion that gives credit to measures that have fallen far short of what is required to give genuine relief to people at this time.