‘Half-measures’ won’t cut it: Longford 'families and workers hammered by spiralling fuel costs'

Sinn Féin TD Sorca Clarke has said the response of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to soaring fuel prices “falls far short of what is needed” and fails to deliver meaningful relief for struggling households.

The Longford Westmeath Deputy said the measures announced by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael come “weeks too late” and only after sustained public pressure from Sinn Féin.

“For the past month, families and workers have been hammered by spiralling fuel costs. People are struggling to heat their homes and fill their cars, while this government stood back.

“It has taken sustained pressure from Sinn Féin and public anger to force action. But what has been brought forward does not go far enough.

“Motorists needed the maximum reduction at the pumps but chose not to do it.

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“The extension of the fuel allowance by just four weeks - €152 - is a drop in the ocean. It won’t make a meaningful difference.”

Deputy Clarke said the government’s approach to home heating oil was “a complete failure.”

“The cost of a fill has doubled in weeks, yet Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael offer just 2 cent per litre. That is not support - it is an insult.

“They will claw this back through another carbon tax hike in a matter of weeks. They give with one hand and take with the other.”

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Deputy Clarke said the government has the financial capacity to act.

“There is a multi-billion-euro surplus and millions in additional tax revenue from rising prices. The issue is not money - it is political will.

“Once again, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are choosing to do the bare minimum.”

“But we will not give up the fight.

“Sinn Féin will move an amendment tonight to deliver the maximum reduction on diesel, similar cuts to petrol and to remove excise tax completely from home heating oil.

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“This is a real emergency for households. It demands real action - not half-measures.”