Figures released today by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) further highlight the government’s failure to get to grips with the cost-of-living crisis, according to Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore.
Deputy Whitmore, who is the party’s energy spokesperson, said:
“Households around the country continue to struggle under the weight of soaring energy bills and rising food costs.
“Of the more than 260,000 requests for assistance received by SVP last year – up six per cent on 2024 – over 112,000 were for food.
“Demand for energy-related support also rose, with 33,224 requests for help received. In fact, last November was the highest-ever month for energy requests recorded by the charity.
“Significantly, SVP has warned that the real energy bills of the winter are only landing now. It’s hardly surprising then that, between electricity and gas, almost half a million customers are now in arrears.
“Meanwhile, the government has failed to conduct a full investigation into energy companies, despite growing concerns that price gouging is widespread in the market.
“It has been equally ineffective in tackling skyrocketing grocery prices. Last year, Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon said he was finally going to give the Agri-Food Regulator the power it needs to investigate rising prices. However, it has since transpired that this crucial measure will not be ready until December.
“People need help now, not in a year’s time. That is why, in the Dáil yesterday, I introduced legislation that would give the regulator the additional power it needs to ensure transparency in the food supply chain.
“If the government won’t do their job, the Opposition will have to do it for them.”
January 21, 2026