Doherty wants emergency budget as ‘people are getting crucified by cost of living’
The Sinn Féin spokesperson on finance 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
Donegal TD Pearse Doherty has called for an emergency budget because “people are getting crucified by the cost of living crisis”.
The Sinn Féin spokesperson on finance 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.
His comments come as the Tanaiste has said he would not rule out further measures to tackle the rising cost of fuel before the budget in October.
Deputy Doherty 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.
“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. 1 in 4 can’t pay their gas bills. People are going without home heating oil.
“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.”
Simon Harris was speaking as a fuel support scheme, part of the 505 million-euro package announced by the Government in the wake of fuel protests went before Cabinet on Tuesday.
On his way into the meeting, Simon Harris was asked if the Government would consider further one-off measures before the budget.
He said “you can never rule anything out, the world is extremely volatile and it would be a foolish government that would rule anything out”.
Mr Harris, who is also the Minister for Finance, said he believes in his “heart of hearts, even if the war ends now” the impact of damaged energy infrastructure “will be felt in the winter”.
He said an energy crisis would be “much sharper” and added that the Government has to “keep some powder dry”.