Emergency budget call by Longford-Westmeath TD as people are being 'crucified' by costs
Sinn Féin TD Sorca Clarke insisted that people cannot wait until next year
Longford-Westmeath TD Sorca Clarke, has said there must be an emergency budget because people are getting crucified by the cost-of-living crisis.
The Sinn Féin TD representative said it is not good enough for the Government to tell people that they have to wait until next year before they will undo the damage caused by last year’s budget that left workers worse off and withdrew cost of living supports.
Deputy Clarke said, “People are drowning with the cost-of-living crisis. They need the Government to throw them a lifeline.
“That is why Sinn Féin is calling for an emergency budget to help with energy costs, put money back in workers' pockets and to target supports to the most vulnerable."
Deputy Clarke stated last year’s budget was a 'disgrace'.
"Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael withdrew cost of living support despite doing nothing to end the rip-off and get prices under control. They gave all the tax breaks to those at the top and left workers worse off.
“They should have got it right the first time, but they didn’t and that is why we need an emergency budget.
“Now when the crisis is deepening as a result of the war in Iran, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are just talking about what they might do next year to help people.
“This Government is so out of touch with the pressure ordinary people are under right now.
"A record number of people can’t pay their electricity bills – even more are barely able to keep their head above water. "
Deputy Clarke said 'one in four can’t pay their gas bills' and 'people are going without home heating oil' due to the soaring costs.
“People have seen their wages eaten away by inflation. People with disabilities have had supports cut even though the cost associated with having a disability continues to increase.
“Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Regional Independents left people badly exposed in last year’s budget.
"Now, in the face of an energy shock that is deepening the cost-of-living crisis, the Government is telling people to wait until next year’s budget. It is unacceptable.
“We need energy credits of €400, cuts to USC to put €500 back in workers' pockets and targeted supports including a €500 payment for people with disabilities.”