The Social Democrats will bring a motion before the D\u00e1il tomorrow (Wednesday, April 15) aimed at tackling Ireland\u2019s soaring energy costs and providing targeted supports to struggling households.<\/p>\n
Outlining the party\u2019s proposals, Gary Gannon TD said:<\/p>\n
\u201cSince taking office, this Government has caused untold hurt and hardship around the country. Much of the pain being experienced by households and businesses is driven by skyrocketing energy prices, which are exacerbating existing cost-of living pressures. People are increasingly struggling to pay for the basics \u2013 food, energy and housing \u2013 and the Government is just not listening to them.<\/p>\n
\u201cLast week\u2019s fuel protests highlighted the urgent need to reduce the country\u2019s dependency on fossil fuels and have underscored how exposed we are to energy shocks. This must result in increased investment in renewable energy sources and retrofitting \u2013 but we also need targeted supports that will make a tangible difference to people\u2019s lives.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur motion calls on the Government to provide emergency relief to struggling individuals and families by immediately introducing a \u20ac400 energy credit \u2013 targeted at families earning up to \u20ac70,000 a year.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt also seeks the adoption of the Social Democrats\u2019 \u2018Solar for All\u2019 plan. This includes a doubling of grants for solar installation to \u20ac3,600, and the inclusion of solar panels in the Warmer Homes Scheme \u2013 a measure that would help families cut their electricity bills by an average of \u20ac450 every year.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also want to see the introduction of a supplementary mileage scheme for essential workers, like nurses and carers, who depend on their cars to travel for work.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur motion also seeks to increase the rebate scheme for the transport sector to cover unsustainable increases in fuel costs. In addition, we need a rebate scheme for green diesel that can be availed of by agricultural contractors and others who use that fuel.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe inadequate measures introduced by the Government in March provided no support for households that rely on home heating oil and do not receive the Fuel Allowance. Similarly, the fuel supports announced on Sunday in response to the protests will leave hundreds of thousands of people behind.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur motion sets out a meaningful and sustainable pathway towards tackling the energy crisis and easing cost-of-living pressures. I urge TDs from all sides of the House to support it.\u201d<\/p>\n