The cost of living crisis: Is the government doing enough?

Is the government doing enough to help people during the cost of living crisis?

Many people feel that the government is not doing enough for its citizens when it comes to the cost of living crisis.

Almost everything has gone up in price whether it is food shopping or rent prices but one main worry many people in Ireland have at this time of year is the cost of heating a home.

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While the government previously offered temporary energy credits and tax cuts in last year’s budget, Ireland’s heavy reliance on imported energy and slow transition to renewables mean the crisis is far from over.

This year the government introduced no energy credits to help people heat their homes and the worry is that many will not afford to be able to do so this Winter.

Those who qualify for the Fuel Allowance scheme only receive a weekly rate of €33 and this will increase to €38 from January 2026. This is some relief to means tested over 70’s who qualify. Working families are left out in the cold however as there were no energy credits introduced this year.

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One way in which our government can help support these families struggling to make ends meet during the cost of living crisis is to expand the Fuel Allowance scheme and make it accessible to more working families.

Irish consumers pay some of the highest energy prices in Europe so it is no wonder so many are struggling to heat their homes at this time of year.

Expanding the Fuel Allowance scheme will help tackle fuel poverty in Ireland and help protect the most vulnerable in our society by ensuring they can heat their homes in a cost effective manner.