Longford-Westmeath TD comments on tackling energy poverty for families

Sinn Féin TD Longford-Westmeath, Sorca Clarke TD has said new figures show the true scale of the government’s failure to tackle energy prices and give families the support that they need. 

She stressed that the government cannot continue to stand idly by while so many households are struggling and reiterated the need for energy credits as part of a cost-of-living package in this year’s budget.

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Teachta Clarke said:

“Figures obtained by Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan showed that the number of people in energy arrears had hit a new record of 301,379.

“The figures show that, unfortunately, this was only the tip of the iceberg.

“Of the 300,000 in arrears, over 176,449 have been in arrears for over 90 days, which is another record high.

“In addition, the total value of the arrears was at €466.46, up 49.8% since January 2022.

“All of this leaves the total arrears for households across Ireland at €140.50 million.

“Along with this huge financial burden, there are more families than ever before that are having their electricity cut off.

“There were 161 disconnections in May, bringing the total this year to 733.  By this time in 2023, there had only been 154 disconnections, meaning there’s been a jump of 375% since then.

“Sinn Féin has repeated called for the government to drastically reform electricity to bring down costs for households, but they have failed to do this at every turn.

“The crippling costs of electricity is putting families under huge pressure at a time when so many are already struggling.

“Despite this, the government is ruling out energy credits or any other cost-of-living supports as part of the upcoming budget. 

“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are acting like the cost-of-living crisis is a buzzword with no real-life impact.  For the government to turn their back on ordinary people when so many are struggling is nothing short of scandalous. 

“They need to come to their senses and give families and businesses the support that they need.  The budget must include energy credits as part of a cost-of-living package.”

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