Taoiseach Micheál Martin gave rather stark predictions for an energy-fuelled, or rather lack thereof, winter of discontent.
Speaking on Prime Time last night, Martin said things were going to get worse,“Given the energy situation and the Russian approach to gas for example”.
The Taoiseach continued saying”
“I am concerned about the winter. I’ve been very honest with people about that”, adding that a package was needed “to alleviate pressure on families in particular”.
He remarked that measures should be put in place to “cushion people through” by using the “resources we have”, although did not go into detail about what measures would look like.
The Taoiseach cited the ongoing Russia -Ukraine conflict as a cause of the problem, warning that hard times should be expected until at least “Early spring of 2023 until we’re out of the woods on this cost of living crisis brought on by a war that’s wreaking a terrible humanitarian crisis”.
The Taoiseach made further remarks claiming the government “deserves credit” for the Irish economy’s ‘remarkable’ recovery post covid.
Last May the government approved a ‘once off’ extra fuel allowance payment of €125 euro which was means tested and payable to some in receipt of state benefits.
Earlier this month the Irish Mirror reported that “Nearly eight out of 10 Irish people are struggling to pay monthly household bills like gas and electricity”, with a survey finding that “70% are using hot water bottles to stay warm at night because they can’t afford to turn on their heating.’