Ward criticises government’s handling of the cost of living crisis

TD Charles Ward has criticised the government’s handling of the cost of living crisis while speaking on a motion put to the Dáil today to defer fuel excise duty increases until November.

The Donegal Deputy said that the motion did not go far enough and that people deserve assurances that there will be no fuel excise duty increases this winter.

“During the fuel protests, the public came out and told you what needed to be done. You knew this was coming, yet you didn’t listen and left it until the 11th hour to do anything.” Deputy Ward said.

“We have had this government for two years now, and what has it achieved? We have record levels of homelessness, food inflation and the highest energy prices in Europe. Homelessness numbers have reached nearly 17,500; at this rate we will be looking at over 20,000 people within a year. At the same time, Ireland is now the most expensive country in Europe for household electricity.”

Electricity bills have risen by between 75% and 85% since 2020, while home heating oil has increased by up to 50% in the last 6 months alone. There has also been a 50% rise in family food bills, with a family grocery trolley now costing around €225 per week, compared to €150 in 2020.”