'Missed opportunities to manage supports for rising energy costs by government'

The Government failure to intervene in the face of rising energy costs has left people struggling financially, a Donegal TD has said.

Deputy Thomas Pringle (Independent) said: “Everyone seems to be surprised by the announcement of rising electricity and gas prices except the Minister, Eamon Ryan.

“Why was he not actively doing more?” the deputy asked.

Deputy Pringle said that Minister Ryan, “could have impressed on companies to delay the increase while he attempted to secure a reduction in the VAT from the EU. That would have at least alleviated the pressure on citizens.

“The Government could have used that time to implement a proper system of providing people with help with the costs, rather than the across-the-board €200 credit that benefits multiple householders and millionaires more than it does people on fixed incomes,” he said.

Deputy Pringle has said the Government should focus on developing a system that would target grants appropriately and support people in need.

The deputy said: “I have been hearing regularly from constituents about the impact that rising energy costs will have on already tight household budgets. These are the people that should be the focus of Government supports.

“If these increases are all to do with the war on Ukraine, will we see reductions as quickly now, seeing that the price of oil has dropped in the last few days? I doubt that,” he said.

Deputy Pringle said he will raise the issue with the minister in the Dáil next week.