Fuel and energy costs driving up the already shocking cost of living

TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has demanded that the Government act now to tackle the rising cost of living crisis. Teachta Crowe’s comments came as Sinn Féin published the results of the party’s cost of living survey recently, which exposes the major financial pressures workers and families are under due to rising costs. More than 14,000 people took part in the survey, including hundreds of people in Dublin South West.

Teachta Crowe said: “The Government must act now to tackle the cost of living crisis. The cost of living is simply out of control. This is a real crisis and there needs to be clear action from government now. “People’s incomes are staying the same, while costs are continuing to increase across fuel, rents, childcare, groceries, healthcare, and energy bills, to name just a few.

“This is putting huge financial pressure on people as they struggle to keep on top of their bills every month. The stories are shocking and expose the reality and extent of this crisis here in Dublin South West and across the state. “Pensioners spoke of being afraid to open their energy bills, as they knew they wouldn’t be able to pay them. Workers spoke of being forced to choose between buying food or filling up a tank of petrol.

“Young families spoke of the crippling anxiety of paying childcare fees, which often cost as much as a second mortgage or rent each and every month. One young woman spoke about her desire to start a family and how she fears she simply won’t be able to afford to have a child. “Sinn Féin has led the way in challenging sky-high insurance costs, energy and fuel prices, mortgage costs and rents. But we need action from the government now. “A cornerstone of the reduction of the cost of living must be the easing of fuel and energy bills. these financial pressures this winter is for the government to remove VAT from domestic energy bills. 

“Energy prices have risen by 25%, while the cost of home heating oil has soared by a staggering 71%. The government increase in Carbon tax is only pushing bills up further, putting more families under real pressure. This government is ignoring how much pressure households are under this winter. “Giving people €100 won’t solve the crisis and it is insulting that the Government think the Irish people can be bought off.  

“The first step they should take is to remove VAT from domestic energy bills for low and middle income households this winter. The Carbon Tax must be scrapped as it only punishes families for heating homes that they are not able to retrofit and make more energy efficient. “Sinn Féin will stand up for ordinary workers and families in south west Dublin to end this cost of living crisis and ensure they get a break. Sinn Féin has the solutions to deliver this much-needed change.”