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Government has never invested adequately in universal public services, building decent homes, developing public infrastructure, tackling the climate crisis and tackling our over-reliance on fossil fuels. People in Ireland have been living with the consequences. It is no wonder the cost of car ownership has become … breather. A Government with the resources to spend billions on subsidising fossil fuels essentially should be able to afford to address the systemic problems that are driving inequality and exacerbating the climate crisis. The Government has money aplenty but no vision. The real problem with Fianna Fáil

such volatility. I would also like him to ensure we talk about more than just fuel over the coming weeks and months. There is a cost-of-living crisis. We need to support families, workers, farmers, businesses and hauliers when it comes to childcare, the back-to-school

exceptional nature of the cost-of-living crisis being experienced by people all over our country. This crisis is driven by the increase in the cost of fossil fuels. Yet, in the measures being voted on today, there is not one proposal that will give long-term protection

into incremental increase year-on-year, multiple times per year, driving the cost of fuel irrespective of the cost of a barrel, irrespective of the cost of inflation and irrespective of the crisis that is happening in this country. That is why we are here today. The Government

will have some sort of road to Damascus conversion is complete fantasy. This is Alice in Wonderland stuff. The cost-of-living crisis goes far beyond the price at the pump. The ever-increasing cost of housing, groceries, childcare and electricity has made paying for the basics … carers who is struggling on a social welfare payment because, unfortunately, my husband lost his sight. I'm not entitled to fuel allowance because I have adult children still living at home. I'm not even entitled to a primary medical certificate because blind people are exempt

that is fiscally responsible. The Government recognises the continued financial pressures facing households and businesses arising from heightened fuel prices as a result of the conflict in the Middle East. As a Government, we stated at the outset of the conflict that we would monitor the situation closely … Opposition may suggest or try to insinuate, this Government has a strong and unwavering record of supporting our citizens through times of crisis and uncertainty. We did so in response to Brexit, throughout the Covid pandemic and following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and we will continue

current intention is that these temporary measures will be restored on a gradual and phased basis, but as we have done throughout this crisis, the Government continues to monitor developments closely. We look at the international situation, the global energy markets and the price at the pumps … green diesel. We increased the maximum repayment rate under the diesel rebate scheme from 7.5 cent to 12 cent per litre of qualifying fuel, supporting the road haulage and passenger transport sectors. We provided an additional €152 payment to fuel allowance recipients. We deferred the scheduled May increase

breadth of this State. It is not just about petrol and diesel; it is about the constant rising prices everywhere: electricity, food, fuel, mortgages and interest rates. It is about all the pressure that is being put on people. What should be happening in this emergency sitting … that the Government should be talking here about the proposals it is bringing forward to support individuals during the cost-of-living crisis. Instead, we have this farce of the Government asking us to vote for the date on which it can make life harder for people

join others in congratulating Senan Molony on his retirement. This is a Government permanently stuck in reaction mode. A crisis happens, pressure builds, people protest and, eventually, the Government scrambles to put together an emergency response. This is not a cost-of-living strategy; it is a desperate … fees and so-called voluntary contributions. That is on top of already extortionate rents, mortgages, childcare, groceries and energy bills. Yes, extending the fuel supports will help but it will not help enough. The most frustrating thing is that this Government is in a position

have a two-month stay of execution for petrol and diesel costs alone. It is completely inadequate when the cost-of-living crisis, driven by Trump's imperialist adventures in the Middle East, is worsening for working people right across the board. What people want and need … investment in a rapid and just transition to a zero-carbon economy to get off of our addiction to and reliance on fossil fuels. The only way to force the Government to act is the threat of protest and protest itself. There will be substantial protest. On Saturday