It has been nearly a month since Israel and its proxy, the United States, began their war on Iran. For the past month, people across Ireland have been hit with what can only be described as rip-off fuel prices. In some cases, Irish fuel prices have increased at eight times the rate of other EU states. It is only now, after nearly a month, that we have seen any action from the Government. To be frank, its measures are an embarrassment compared with the actions of other EU states. While the Government sat on the fence, it quietly cashed in at the expense of ordinary workers trying to get to work or the vulnerable trying to heat their homes. This is appalling conduct from the Government. Let us talk about the measures it announced yesterday.

Sentiment score: -0.13

Three cent off the price of green diesel is not support; it is a slap in the face to farmers and fishermen across Ireland. The Government may as well have just told them to shut up and get on with it. These are the people who go out day in, day out to produce top-quality Irish food and to ensure we have food security and our shelves do not go empty. While the reduction will be welcomed by those in haulage, do not forget who produces the food to fill those trucks. Not using farm machinery or trawlers is not an option. Does the Minister expect ponies and traps and carts to be rolled out to cut down on the cost? Is that what he wants them to do? We have seen over and over from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael that our farmers and fishermen are always an afterthought. The announcement yesterday is just the latest insult to them. It is simply a kick in the teeth.

Sentiment score: 0.07