I want to begin by reading an email I received from a constituent who is freezing in her own home because she ran out of heating oil. She says: I have recently run out of oil due to the massive price hike, which is reported to be up to 60% in some areas. I simply can't afford to refill the tank. As a result, I'm left freezing in my own home, which is not a situation anyone should face in 2026. This is becoming completely unmanageable, and it's wrong. The Government are punishing and crippling the average worker. This requires more than finger wagging and a slap on the wrist. This is not about comfort, it is about basic living conditions and health. No one should be forced to choose between heating their home and meeting other essential expenses. She, like others, has been hit with the largest hike in the price of home heating oil in the EU, at almost eight times the EU average. At the same time, the Government charges almost double the EU minimum fuel tax rates, taking up to 65% of the price at the pump. Coming down the tracks on 1 May, the planned carbon tax will bring increases as well. Not only is the Government planning to leave things the same, it is planning to increase them. It makes no sense to this woman and to so many other women who are suffering. That is why tonight's motion is so important. Sinn Féin's legislation would cut the cost of petrol and diesel by 25% per litre and cut €183 off a standard 1,000 litre fill of home heating oil. For small businesses that will make the difference to enable them to stay open and it will make the difference to allow people to live and survive in their own homes. The Tánaiste has to do something about it. This motion gives every TD in here a clear choice: to stand with workers, families and small businesses who are struggling to cope or to allow the energy rip-off to continue. We need to give real relief to the people and businesses who simply cannot afford to wait any longer.

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