Bacik calls on Government to introduce emergency measures to tackle inflation

Labour leader Ivana Bacik TD said the government must implement an emergency budget to help ease the burden of inflation on people in the country.

Deputy Bacik was speaking this morning after reports emerged showing that inflation may rise to 10 per cent by the end of the year.

Bacik says that the Government needs to introduce measures soon, and not wait until October for the scheduled budget.

“Despite doing everything ‘right’, working hard, cutting back on discretionary spending, working people are really struggling,” the Dublin Bay South TD said.

“An unexpected trip to the doctor, childcare provision or birthday party means people are going hungry to keep the lights on.

“The cost of living crisis, compounded by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, is leaving less and less money in people’s pockets.

“There are measures government can take to help working people.

“During Covid we saw the power of the State to protect people and I am reiterating Labour’s call for an emergency budget to help people’s money go further,” she said.

“The ESRI recently showed that the rising cost of energy must be addressed and that increased targeted support is needed.

“The income eligibility threshold for the fuel allowance is simply too low, and far too many hard pressed working households don’t qualify.

“It must be increased to help those who need it most. Labour is also calling for a second band of eligibility, which would pay the allowance at a half rate, to assist people who are pinned to their collar.

“In a wealthy economy, people are right to expect more.

“We need government to step up for working parents and move to providing a public childcare system.

“In addition to protecting households against the increased cost of living, it would ensure women’s participation in the workplace can continue and grow.

“We need to take the pressure off parents, but we also need to pave the way to support aspiring parents.

“The time for change is now.”

Deputy Bacik says that “Ireland needs a pay rise” and a Government “that works for them.”

“The government has the policy levers at their disposal if they choose to use them through a comprehensive budget initiative,” she says.

“Labour will support the process if they decide to go down that road.”

“The news this morning is bleak. House prices continue to rise, parents are buying their children open toed sandals to get longer out of them, calls for free legal advice is up.

“What will it take for government to work for people?”