Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has demanded urgent action from the government to help people affected by crippling energy costs.
Deputy Kerrane’s call follows an announcement by Bord Gáis that customers will see a large increase to their bills.
She said that energy costs are ‘out of control’ and that action is needed now, without any delay.
“On top of the soaring costs that people have been under real pressure from, we are set to see even more rises in home energy costs over the coming months,” said the Sinn Féin TD.
“The scale at which costs are set to rise is unprecedented and deeply concerning.
“Workers and families are struggling to heat their homes and it is clear that urgent action is needed from the Government. The measures announced by Government in recent weeks, while welcome, do nothing to address the spiralling cost of home heating.”
Deputy Kerrane criticised the extended Fuel Allowance being provided only to those who already quality for the payment, as well as the Supplementary Welfare Allowance being available only to people working less than 30 hours per week.
“Recent research has found that 37% of people have cut back on essential heating and electricity use and 17% have cut back on other essentials such as food,” she said.
“This is totally unacceptable. Despite this, many working households continue to be locked out of access to support with spiralling energy costs.”
