Prior to the imperial oil war in the Middle East being waged by the USA and Israel, we already had a cost-of-living crisis. We are now really in a difficult situation. In County Laois the lowest price for road diesel is €2.10 per litre and it continues to increase. In this State, the increase in home heating oil is eight times the average increase across Europe. It was €480 for 500 litres. It is now €585 from suppliers in the midlands. It has almost doubled in price. Of course, once fuel goes up, everything goes up, including all other goods. There are higher costs for agriculture, haulage, couriers and carriage. Hauliers are exposed. Truckers and hauliers are under severe pressure and need assistance to get through the current crisis. Today the Irish Road Haulage Association said that without a tax reduction many haulage operators will simply not be able to continue absorbing the rising costs, which would result in empty supermarket shelves. Middle- and low-income households are under pressure with financial hardship. It is a severe situation. One in six is in arrears with electric bills and cannot pay them, and one in four of those who have gas is in arrears with gas bills. Households in the midlands and in County Laois are exposed because of the high number that depend on home heating oil in rural areas and in areas where there is no natural gas. A number of homes also have a low energy rating. People in County Laois have long commutes as well. The Government can do a number of things. It can halt any additional increase in VAT, because it is a percentage, and reverse the gains so far. It should not go ahead with the increase in the carbon tax. I accept it is collecting carbon tax, and that is fine. It should use it and use it well.

Sentiment score: -0.02

I ask the Government not to go ahead with the planned increase in it in March. There should also be targeted energy credits and supports for middle-income and low-income households.

Sentiment score: 0.52