There is legislation.
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I start by thanking Deputy Doherty for tabling this motion and for tabling legislation which I think the Tánaiste was unaware of but, happily, he is up to speed with now.
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This afternoon legislation was tabled and this evening we will debate a motion and there will be a voice vote later.
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That is how it is going to work. I will very clearly thank Deputy Doherty because he recognises there is an emergency. The Tánaiste's response is that the Government actively prepares for a variety of scenarios. I can tell the Tánaiste what scenario is unfolding in homes the length and breadth of this State this evening. It is husbands, wives and partners sitting down and talking about how they are going to be able to pay their bills, how they are going to make ends meet and what more they can cut. When they look, they see there cannot cut any more for they are cut to the bone. They have cut back and cut back. There is an emergency. There is an emergency right now but, hold on, something might happen next week or perhaps the week after for the 470,000 people who are in receipt of the fuel allowance and who desperately need it, need it to be increased and need it to be extended. They are facing a cliff edge next April. They also are very concerned. The Tánaiste needs to come to this Chamber with action, not words. Words are not going to pay people's bills. The Tánaiste needs to come with action and he has not. He is short this evening when he comes in here and tells people they have to hang on and wait and that another scenario might unfold. God forbid there might be a knee-jerk reaction. They have to make awful choices in homes the length and breadth of this State. They want the Government to step up and be on their side. The Opposition needs to speak with one voice. At the very least, the Government should not make the situation for ordinary workers and families worse. The carbon tax that is coming down the line will increase the cost of heating people’s homes. People cannot afford it as it is and they most definitely cannot afford an increase. The Opposition will be united in confronting the Government on this and putting forward solutions, which is exactly what we have done.
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