Drivers are being ripped off across the board when it comes to the cost of motoring. From sky-high fuel costs, car insurance costs and now a fresh round of toll hikes come January, workers and families are seeing no let-up in the cost-of-living crisis. Ireland is one of the most expensive places to run a car, with recent analysis showing that we have the third highest motor fuel costs in the EU. Couple this with rip-off car insurance costs and it is clear that Irish motorists are paying far more to commute to work, drive their kids to school or go about their day when compared with European drivers. This is not acceptable. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael might want to wash their hands of this issue, but these rip-off costs are the direct result of their policies. Budget 2026 was a clear example of how the Government had failed to support families during this cost-of-living crisis. In that budget, the Government decided to withdraw cost-of-living supports and to continue to increase the carbon tax on petrol and diesel. The Government has failed to hold insurance companies accountable for their rip-off prices and to implement Sinn Féin's proposals to tackle them. These decisions are a slap in the face to households that are already struggling to make ends meet. As someone who comes from a rural constituency, the reality for my constituents is that they literally have no other option but to drive. It is not a luxury; it is an absolute necessity. The Government is often out of touch with the reality of life in rural Ireland. These increases are punishing people in my constituency and across the State just for going about their daily lives. They have no alternative, but they have to face increased carbon taxes, fuel prices and car insurance costs. All of these increases add up to a significant proportion of a household's income. It is clear that the Government does not understand the impact that these decisions are having and has no intention of standing up for ordinary workers and families. This motion is an opportunity for the Government to end the rip-off in motor costs. Instead, it is going to sit on its hands while the cost of petrol and diesel continues to rise, it increases the carbon tax and it fails to stand up against insurance companies. We are providing the Government with the tools to lower the cost of driving for households. I call on the Government to act to support households in the here and now.

Sentiment score: -0.05