There are vulnerable people, all over the country, who cannot now afford to turn the heating on
The government’s energy support package does not sufficiently target supports to those who need it most and effectively abandons those low-income households who are reliant on home heating oil, according to Social Democrats deputy leader and finance spokesperson Cian O’Callaghan.
Deputy O’Callaghan said:
“There is almost nothing in this package for those low-income households who are reliant on home heating oil – and unable to pay the 80 percent spike in prices.
“The government seems to think that they don’t have to assist those people because we are now in March – but people must still heat their homes in spring and there are vulnerable people, all over the country, who cannot now afford to turn the heating on.
“While a cut to excise duty, to provide relief at the pumps, is welcome, there is so much more the government should be doing to target supports at those who are struggling the most.
“Extending the fuel allowance for four weeks does not go far enough – or reach sufficient numbers of people, who are really struggling. It amounts to an increased income of €152 which, while welcome, will not bridge the affordability gap that so many are enduring.
“For months now, the Social Democrats have been asking the government to introduce a targeted €400 energy credit for the 800,000 households who are struggling most, based on household income. This measure has been fully costed, at €362 million, and would provide real support to people who need it most.
“Even before this latest crisis erupted, 320,000 households were in arrears on their energy bills. That is hundreds and thousands of people all over the country who simply can’t meet soaring energy prices.
“Over the coming months, the situation is likely to get even worse. There have already been forecasts that inflation could rise to 4 percent and the price of groceries could soar by €700 a year.
“This is a disaster for people who were already struggling to keep their heads above water and is why the government should be putting in place plans now to target supports to those who need it most.
“The Government consistently say that they support targeted measures – but the vast majority of this package is universal in nature.
“I am appealing to the Government to adopt our proposal for a targeted energy credit so a meaningful level of support can reach those who need it most quickly.”