Energy credits and pension support
Deputy O'Flynn challenged the reported end of energy credits and said rising bills were hurting older people. He asked what help pensioners would receive, and the Taoiseach later said the Government would review the energy-price framework.
We are out of time but I propose to take Deputies O'Flynn and Gannon, with each having 30 seconds for a question and a response from the Taoiseach.
Comment on this
I thank the Ceann Comhairle. According to media reports, the Government will not allocate energy credits this year in the coming budget, thereby ending the cost-of-living supports package. The energy providers are introducing increases of 31 cent per day, according to SSE, or €113 per year. While the Government cites the Ukrainian war as an inflation factor, carbon credits are adding €140 per year to the average gas bill. Many elderly people are facing financial hardship. The planned pension increase this year is €12, while the Government plans to give jobseekers €450. Electricity prices have gone up 19% in the past year, according to The Irish Times, while the price of gas has gone up by 22%.
Comment on this
What will the Government do to help senior citizens across this country?