People cannot afford to pay for this Government’s haphazard handling of the cost-of-living crisis, according to Social Democrats finance spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan.
Deputy O’Callaghan said:
“Figures released today by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show there is no end in sight to the skyrocketing cost-of-living crisis.
“Prices have risen a further 3.6 per cent in the last year – another increase that people simply cannot afford.
“One of the main drivers of this relentless rise in in everyday costs is energy bills, which have soared by a staggering 15.5 per cent in the last 12 months.
“Decisive action is well overdue from this Government. They must help people who need it now while also investing in a cheaper and greener future.
“The Social Democrats have called for a €400 targeted energy credit for households earning less than €70,000 a year. This targeted measure would provide immediate relief for those suffering the most from exorbitant bills.
“We have also put forward our ‘Solar For All’ plan, which would dramatically expand and improve supports for solar panel installation. Existing grants would be doubled, the €1,000 grant for batteries would be reinstated, and free solar panels would be provided as part of the Warmer Homes Scheme.
“We need action now to bring down energy bills, drive down inflation and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.”
April 29, 2026