Latest Kildare News: Kildare TD asks if Constituency colleague supports Finance Minister’s Cost of Living’ comments
Heydon must confirm if they back Paschal Donohoe’s out of touch comments on the cost of living crisis – Ryan TD
Sinn Féin TD Patricia Ryan for Kildare South has called on Martin Heydon TD to confirm if they stand by the Finance Minister’s out of touch comments on the cost of living crisis.
Speaking today, Teachta Ryan said:
“Fuel and energy costs are totally out of control and are putting huge financial pressure on workers and families. Everyday, I talk to people who are deeply anxious about spiralling prices.
“People are faced with the choice of paying for heating or eating. People are frightened that they won’t be able to afford to fill up their petrol tank to drive to work or to college. People are sitting in cold houses, while their home heating oil tank lies empty.
“This is a real crisis and people need help now. Yet the government isn’t listening to ordinary people and treating this crisis with the urgency it deserves.
“Shockingly, the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has insisted that the government will do nothing before the October Budget to help people affected by this crisis. This shows how out of touch this government is. They simply don’t get it.
“Martin Heydon is in government with Mr. Donohoe. They need to come forward and confirm if they agree with his comments. Do they really believe that people facing this crisis can keep struggling on until October, while the government turns a blind eye?
“People need help and they need it now. I accept that the government cannot do everything, but they can do more. They must cut the cost of energy and fuel. They must go further still, but that would be a good start.
“Sinn Féin are urging the government to engage with the EU Commission to remove VAT on energy bills for an initial three months. We are also urging them to remove excise duty from home heating oil.
“A cost of living payment of €200 to households earning less than €30,000 and of €100 to households earning €30,000-€60,000 would also help families struggling to pay their bills in this cost of living crisis.
“These are clear, common sense actions the government could take to give workers and families the break and the breathing room they need. People need help urgently now. They can’t keep waiting. This government must act now, not kick the can down the road until October.”
