Donegal TDs urge Cost of Living cash payment introduction

The government has been urged to introduce a Cost of Living Cash Payment to help workers and families with the increasing cost of living.

The move has been proposed by Sinn Féin.

Donegal Sinn Féin TD, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, backed calls by the party’s spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty TD, for the government to introduce a Cost of Living Cash Payment to help workers and families with the increasing cost of living.

Teachta Mac Lochlainn said: “For months now, we in Sinn Féin have been warning the government about the increasing cost of living. 

“Instead of taking decisive action, the government has put their heads in the sand, ignored warnings from Pearse Doherty, and have allowed rents, childcare costs and energy costs to spiral out of control. 

“They just don’t get it. They don’t understand the pressure that workers and families, who need action now, are under.

“The electricity credit is better than nothing, but it is simply not enough to meet the challenge that households are facing.

“Pearse Doherty is proposing a package of measures to get money back into people’s pockets now when they need it.

 “A Sinn Féin government would make direct Cost of Living Cash Payments to support workers and families; in addition to making the already announced €100 electricity credit available.

 “An individual on an income of up to €30,000 would receive a Cost of Living Cash Payment of €200, and an individual on income of between €30,000 to €60,000 would receive a Cost of Living Cash Payment of €100.

 “Pearse Doherty has made constructive and costed proposals to address the Cost of Living crisis, and the government should listen.

 “This proposed payment - along with our proposal to put a month’s rent back in people’s pockets and axe the Carbon Tax hike due in May - would give hard pressed workers and families the break they so badly need.”

Teachta Mac Lochlainn illustrated how a couple renting together in Donegal would benefit under Sinn Féin’s proposals.

He said: "Paul and Sarah are a couple renting together in Donegal. Their monthly rent is €1,000. Paul’s income is €45,000. Sarah’s income is €25,000. Paul and Sarah would receive a €200 electricity credit: €227. Paul would receive a €100 Cost of Living Cash Payment: €100. Sarah would receive a €200 Cost of Living Cash Payment: €200. Paul and Sarah would receive a Rent Relief Refundable Tax Credit of €1,000: €1,000. Total support under Sinn Féin's proposals: €1,527."