The cost-of-living crisis is now an emergency, but the government is callously refusing to act.
It is essential that the government introduces an emergency budget given inflation is now running at nearly 10pc, according to Social Democrats Finance Spokesperson Róisín Shortall.
“Inflation is now running at nearly 10pc. Price increases are becoming embedded across the economy – making it even harder for workers and families to make ends meet.
“Energy, housing and food costs are all skyrocketing wildly. Just today, Electric Ireland announced its second price hike in just three months – adding a further €350 per annum to the cost of gas and €164 to the cost of electricity.
“Meanwhile, parents also have to contend with exorbitant back-to-school costs of up to €1,500 per child. The only help a minority of parents have with these costs is the Back To School allowance – which was set at a higher rate in 2007, 15 years ago.
“The cost-of-living crisis is now an emergency, but the government is callously refusing to act. Their inaction is both bizarre and inexplicable.
“The Social Democrats have already outlined a €1.3 billion emergency budgetary package that would be entirely targeted at those who need help most – low and middle income earners. This could be introduced tomorrow to provide immediate relief.
“The government cannot continue to stick its head in the sand and ignore the hardship that is being caused by this cost-of-living crisis. It can and must act.”
1 July, 2022
Ends