I acknowledge on the record what people are feeling across the country right now. I understand that families are anxious. Older people are worried about heating their homes. Farmers and small businesses are watching costs rise, week by week. Their concerns are genuine and they deserve to be treated with seriousness, respect and empathy. The war in Iran has destabilised global energy markets. This is a reality that none of us in this House can change but what we can control is how we respond at home. The Government has responded with the largest and most comprehensive support package in the EU to help cushion the impact of the conflict in the Gulf. The fuel disruption we are seeing is a direct consequence of that war in Iran and the disruption of global supply routes. That is not something Ireland caused but it is something that this Government has acted in targeted ways, on a sector-by-sector basis, to help to offer some much-needed relief to the citizens of Ireland. To manage expectations, there is no government in the whole world that can insulate an entire country from the financial impact of a global war. This war is showing no signs of ending so we need to focus on longer-term thinking. That is why, as a backbench TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, I am asking, in particular, for the Government to look towards giving further relief to householders by providing a targeted emergency fuel allowance for people who do not currently benefit from the fuel allowance to assist in the increasing price of kerosene. I would like employers who have remote-capable roles allow people to stay at home and work from home, thereby easing the pressure on commuters. I would like an SEAI retrofit blitz for Carlow-Kilkenny and an expansion of Local Link, demand-responsive transport in rural areas with little or no bus service. Farmers, agricultural contractors and hauliers are paying higher diesel costs now so we need to ensure that the fuel subsidy support scheme that has been introduced will be paid out quickly. From speaking with the Minister, Deputy Heydon, I understand that will happen.

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