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insurance costs and now a fresh round of toll hikes come January, workers and families are seeing no let-up in the cost-of-living crisis. Ireland is one of the most expensive places to run a car, with recent analysis showing that we have the third highest … direct result of their policies. Budget 2026 was a clear example of how the Government had failed to support families during this cost-of-living crisis. In that budget, the Government decided to withdraw cost-of-living supports and to continue to increase the carbon tax on petrol

State that was just a continuous attack against the Opposition and Sinn Féin. Every time we raise issues in relation to the cost of living, the Government’s response is to ask where are the solutions. We brought forward a motion today with solutions … solutions we put forward. What is also interesting is that on all the additional hikes and cost increases and the cost-of-living crisis, whether it is for motorists or whether it is on groceries or on rent or mortgages, the Government Members always blame everybody but themselves

gouging taking place in this country. The Government throws its hands in the air and asks, "What can we do about the cost-of-living crisis?" The Government created the aspect of the cost-of-living crisis that relates to tolls. It was Fianna Fáil that brought … work. If we genuinely want to get people out of their cars and if we want to actually help them with the cost-of-living crisis and the cost of motoring, then we need to make sure our public services and our bus services, actually work. People

prices rise and companies continue to gouge households, the budget has left working people worse off. The Government refused to deliver a cost-of-living package, cancelled energy credits, removed double child benefit payment and decided not to give ordinary workers a break in their income … cannot afford to send him to college. Imagine that. We now have a situation whereby two teachers are so hammered by a cost-of-living crisis that is completely out of control that they have had to ask their child to look towards their future

because of the policies he has implemented because the Government has failed to grasp the nettle here when it comes to the cost-of-living crisis. To be honest, I have listened to what the Taoiseach has had to say here today which is people are imagining this … cost-of-living crisis. Clearly from what he is telling us is, the Government has done all these things that are alleviating it. Well, they are not working. As Taoiseach, you need to take leadership and a bit ownership on this. The Taoiseach needs to grasp this nettle

wonderful and reflects the very strong value of community in the country. I acknowledge that. In the context of the cost-of-living crisis, the Government has taken a lot of measures that I outlined in response to an earlier question, particularly in terms of supporting families … have also kept VAT on electricity and gas prices at 9%, so we have done a lot in respect of the cost of living but on this occasion, we have targeted it. We have provided schools with the highest ever capitation grant, which is €50 per pupil

help is broken. It is in tatters. During the general election, on live television, the Tánaiste said, "You told me cost of living is worrying you – that’s why we’ll lower taxes and help you with your bills." Then he turned around and did what … last week in the budget, with no cost-of-living package, with a tax cut package of over €2.5 billion, but without a single break on income tax for ordinary workers - not a single red cent. What happened? Why did the Tánaiste break his promise? The cost

have to tell the Minister that people across the State are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. The cost of the weekly shop, the cost of utilities, the cost of rent and the cost of fuel are all rising, with little to no support offered … disability have these increases to contend with along with the additional financial cost of disability. The 2021 Indecon report estimated the average cost of living with a disability as being between €9,500 and almost €12,000 per year. The previous cost-of-disability package, which included

That is what I have been told over and over by people with a disability, those who get hit by the same cost-of-living crisis as everyone else. Their situation is compounded by the additional associated costs of the disability. We all thought that there was some … glimmer of hope and recognition in recent years when people with disabilities were given extra support as part of a cost-of-living package, but that glimmer of hope was truly shattered in this year's budget. It was cruel what was announced last week. The Government refused

five lives in absolute and consistent poverty. That is a shocking figure in itself. It is well documented that the cost of living is higher for people with disabilities. The costs have been well outlined in terms of transport, medical costs, the cost of heating and everything else … must look at this in the context of the cost-of-living crisis. We are not living in normal times. The rate of inflation is accelerating, in particular the cost of essentials such as heating, food, transport and everything else. A Government report in 2021 confirmed the additional

would have increased inflation in this country by spending €4 billion more. What happens when you increase inflation? You increase everybody's cost of living. In Sinn Féin's economically illiterate way of assisting people with the cost of living, it actually would have hurt people with … cost of living. That is why, when we had a general election, people rejected Sinn Féin's economic philosophy

This budget could have been an opportunity to stand squarely on the side of families and support them through the ongoing cost-of-living crisis but Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have decided to throw households under the bus and have not provided any cost-of-living package … trend of rising energy costs, rising energy arrears and rising energy poverty, the Government has refused to include energy credits or a cost-of-living package in the budget. How can that be justified? This is a political choice about whose needs are prioritised and who is protected

tatters. This will take some explaining, especially set against this budget's abject failure to support families through a cost-of-living crisis that for all too many has now become permanent. To be fair to the Government, it does not pretend that this year's offering … with some small exceptions announced today, the Government has chosen not to. Nowhere will the Government's refusal to deliver a cost-of-living package hurt more than for those who depend on the State for their income. The pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis exposed real

economy - will continue to be taxed more heavily as their earnings rise, even if those increases barely keep pace with the cost of living. We are in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis. Families are struggling to afford groceries, childcare, energy bills and housing. Yet instead … does not meet the moment. It does not reflect the hardship faced by ordinary people, especially those in rural Ireland, where the cost of living continues to spiral and where the burden of Government policy is felt most acutely. Let us talk about fuel - a basic necessity

only real impact on smokers, for example, from the Government's budget announced today will actually be an increase in their cost of living. There was nothing in today's budget for workers and families who are absolutely crippled by the cost of living and, of course, from … carbon tax means that petrol and diesel prices are going to rise again. Therefore, rather than support families and workers with the cost of living, today's budget is actually going to make people's lives harder. That is particularly prevalent in constituencies like my own. I read

when it comes to insurance costs; — the increasing cost of motor insurance is putting many people under severe pressure in a cost-of-living crisis; — the cost of motor insurance has increased at more than four times the general rate of inflation; — people are now facing health insurance … insurance companies to ensure fair and stable insurance prices; — recognise the role that high insurance costs play in driving the cost-of-living crisis, both directly through higher premiums and indirectly by driving up the costs of businesses, public bodies, and civil society organisations; — progress and enact

sure if the Government realises this. It seems to be totally out of touch with the reality that we have a cost-of-living crisis. I have people coming into my office every week telling me they cannot pay their bills. These are people who are working hard … refused to tackle energy suppliers and is refusing to give people any kind of short-term relief whatever by ruling out a cost-of-living package in this year’s budget. How does the Government expect people to cope with all these price rises when it is refusing

afford to do so. For the Government to decide that it can take the money from them at a time of a cost-of-living crisis is outrageous. In-work poverty remains a serious problem in this State and the Government’s policy significantly contributes to this. There … stress low and middle income earners are under. This also comes at a time when the Government is rowing back on the cost-of-living supports that are vital to keeping people’s heads above water. Another problem with this legislation is that it would hand the money

thank Sinn Féin for bringing the motion forward. It is absolutely essential that we keep the focus on the cost-of-living crisis. It is incredible, when we think about it, that we are calling it the cost-of-living crisis. It is too expensive … Companies are making massive profits off the backs of people being pushed into poverty and not being able to afford the basic cost of living. We know that incomes cannot keep pace with this. The energy poverty crisis that is ongoing is going to continue for people. Energia

important that we turn our attention to the reality of what is happening in homes across the State. For this Government, the cost-of-living crisis is only something it trots out and acknowledges in the run-up to an election. With no election on the horizon … prices increasing. In the run-up to the election, energy credits were very important. Today, the election is behind us but the cost-of-living crisis is not, yet the Government tells us there will be no cost-of-living package. A total of 300,000 households

they so desperately need and have relied on. The Government has dug in and continues to refuse to agree to have a cost-of-living package in October's budget. Those on fixed incomes are at greater risk of poverty and need greater support. This ever-worsening cost … cannot swan off for the summer break and leave people in the lurch with stress and uncertainty. It needs to introduce a cost-of-living package, continue with energy credits and tell workers and families that it will not cancel the help they rely on to pay these

want people at home to know that we are taking measures in the here and now to assist them with the cost of living. Indeed, we are also taking measures in the here and now to specifically assist people with energy. Let me share details of some … September every child who goes back to primary school or secondary school will receive free schoolbooks. That is helping households with the cost of living. General measures, such as every primary school child getting free hot school meals, reducing school transport fees and rolling out free GP care

Dáil prepares to rise now for the summer, the thing on everybody's mind is runaway prices and the sky-high cost of living. Working households really struggle now to make ends meet and they hear from the Taoiseach time and again as he digs in and refuses … include a cost-of-living package in October's budget. Today, a report published by the Irish League of Credit Unions reveals the big pressure on parents with the enormous cost of sending their children to school. This follows reports from the ESRI, Barnardos, the Society

Taoiseach has comprehensively ruled out providing a cost-of-living package in October's budget. The media today is full of reports that he is set to double down on the removal of support payments for struggling households. At a time when living costs are through the roof … weekly shop, go to fill the car or go to buy basic toiletries like toothpaste or shampoo. The out-of-control cost of living is making it so hard for working people to keep their heads above water as we speak. For the Taoiseach to tell households that

that just because inflation has fallen, it does not mean the cost of going to the supermarket has fallen as well. The cost of living still remains high. People see that in their weekly shop. They see it when they go to the checkout with their trolley. While … have been very clear that there will not be a cost of living specific measure between September, October and December, that is not to say that a budget of over €100 billion - probably around €120 billion - will not try to help people with their cost of living

financial position of disabled households after the withdrawal of once off supports including the electricity credits, fuel lump sums, disability cost-of-living payment and living alone lump sum; and if he will publish this analysis. [69175/25

policy and recent inflation trends, together with its long-term approach to carbon taxation in the context of price stability and cost-of-living pressures. [69317/25

adult on disability allowance living alone, taking account of the withdrawal of once off supports in Budget 2025 including the €400 disability cost-of-living payment, the €300 fuel lump sum, the €300 living alone lump sum, the €200 electricity credits and the double week bonuses

adult on disability allowance living alone, taking account of the withdrawal of once off supports in Budget 2025 including the €400 disability cost-of-living payment, the €300 fuel lump sum, the €300 living alone lump sum, the €200 electricity credits and the double week bonuses

restoring all once off supports paid to disabled people in 2025 for one further year, itemised by each support including the disability cost-of-living payment, the fuel lump sum, the living alone lump sum, electricity credits and double week bonuses. [69177/25

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Social Protection the measures in place to support people with disabilities with the cost of living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69340/25

Health if her Department has conducted any assessment of whether the current income thresholds for over-70s are aligned with the cost of living for that age group; and if she will provide details of any such assessment. [68709/25

emergency winter support for residents on disability allowance and similar schemes to offset the deficit created by the withdrawal of the 2025 cost of living measures. [67374/25

thresholds for persons aged 70 and over were last revised, and the rationale for not indexing thresholds to inflation, pension adjustments or cost of living changes. [64882/25

Minister for Social Protection if an emergency winter payment to offset the withdrawal of once off payments such as the disability cost-of-living payment will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64546/25

revised in recent budgets; if she accepts that the current income thresholds are no longer reflective of the significant rises in the cost of living, energy, insurance, inflation and healthcare expenses; and if she will outline any plans to review these limits to ensure a fairer and more

Minister for Transport if he will consider extending the short hop zone to Newbridge and surrounding areas to aid with the cost-of-living of commuters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62392/25

Social Protection if he will consider reviewing the income disregards for carers and people with disabilities in light of the increased cost of living to ensure that social protection supports do not act as a disincentive to work or education; and if he will make a statement

will introduce a cost of disability lump sum payment in the run up to Christmas, to reduce the impact of the increased cost of living on disabled people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62271/25

Minister for Social Protection the measures her Department is taking to assist low- and middle-income households struggling with the rising cost of living, particularly in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61549/25

taken to ensure that executive pay levels within commercial State bodies remain proportionate to public-service standards and consistent with the wider cost-of-living pressures faced by citizens. [62573/25

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in view of continued elevated cost-of-living pressures, specifically high housing costs, rental inflation and utility bills, and noting commentary that households in regions like Cork are increasingly squeezed: if his Department has compiled

Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection to introduce additional supports to assist hard pressed senior citizens with the cost of living crisis; if he will consider the fact that the cost of food, heating, electricity and everything else is on the increase, including an additional

pension has been increased as part of budget 2026; and his views on whether the assessment should be increased in line with cost-of-living increases. [60608/25

Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the amount his Department paid towards a cost-of-living allowance and local post allowance to his departmental officials posted at the Irish Embassies in Pretoria, Beijing, Buenos Aires and Brasilia in 2024, in tabular

Employment if his Department will review the operation of the national minimum wage to ensure that it keeps pace with inflation and cost-of-living pressures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59043/25

Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to consider regional cost-of-living adjustments in assessing eligibility for HAP and social housing supports for single and married earners in high-rent areas, who fall just above national thresholds but face housing insecurity

increase the social housing eligibility thresholds nationally, particularly in light of recent increases in the working family payment and the ongoing cost-of-living pressures; if consideration is being given to introducing an annual review mechanism to ensure thresholds keep pace with inflation and wage adjustments

steps his Department is taking to ensure equitable access to higher education for all students given the ongoing accommodation crisis and rising cost-of-living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55957/25

Cooney asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to increase all income thresholds annually in line with increases in the cost-of-living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56100/25