Families have been left in shock by the steep rise in their fuel costs. These families are already under enormous pressure. We know 320,000 households across the State are in arrears on their energy bills under the Minister’s watch. This comes after the Government slashed cost-of-living supports in this year's budget. It left households to fend for themselves, including elderly people and people living alone. People with disabilities were left €1,400 worse off. It was really shameful and the price increases since this war began have turned a cost-of-living crisis into a cost-of-living emergency. Where has the Government been? It has been missing in action for the past two weeks. Throughout that time families have really been suffering. Many have not been able to afford the fill of oil and they are watching very closely how much they are putting into the car. However, the Minister has come in here and once again kicked the can down the road. There might be something next week. The Government is totally out of touch with the reality of life for people across this State and the pressure households are under. It is very easy for the Minister to say we should wait and see and that the Government is keeping things under review but my constituents cannot keep their bills under review as they have to pay them today. We have given the Government the solutions it could implement immediately. It could implement the legislation to cut the cost of petrol, diesel and home heating oil and it could scrap the carbon tax increases. It is breathtaking to hear Government Ministers insist the carbon tax increases on home heating oil should go ahead. They cannot give any clarity to households on what supports they will bring to the table but they were quick to tell them the carbon tax increases on home heating oil, petrol and diesel all the way to 2030 will be going ahead. It is time for the Government to get real and listen to people across the State who cannot keep up with any more increases. The Government should enact this legislation, scrap the carbon tax increases and bring forward real supports to households.

Sentiment score: -0.10