Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 April 2022
22. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the steps he intends taking in 2022 in relation to direct and indirect taxes to lessen the burden on people due to the very large increase in the cost of living, interest rates and fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20989/22]
View answer33. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Finance if he is proposing any tax or other measures to counteract the accelerating cost of living in all areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21445/22]
View answerThe question is very simple. Is the Government going to propose an emergency budget to deal with the cost-of-living crisis? The cost-of-living crisis is hitting people at every single level. It is hitting them in terms of rents, accommodation, energy prices and the cost of normal consumer goods. The value of people's pay and income is also falling commensurately with the rise in inflation. We cannot wait until October for the Government to seriously address all these issues. We need an emergency budget to do that.
The Deputy will not get a chance to come in twice. He might get in once more.
I understand this question may have already been taken.
It may have been taken already. I am sorry.
This question proposes a tax or other measures to counteract the accelerating cost of living in all areas. This issue has been raised this morning, twice in Private Members' business this week and again in the motion yesterday. It has been the essence of four debates in the Dáil this week alone. I can reiterate everything I have said for the last hour and a half, which dealt predominantly with these issues, but the response to this question is on the public record.
It was grouped with Question No. 22 but that question was not actually taken.
Question No. 22 related to direct and indirect taxes. There were a series of measures in last year's budget, going up to this week, relating to the cost of living and helping people with cost-of-living issues. The Minister has indicated that there are no further measures planned until budget day.
The Deputy may have a last word.
We have just received another report about new rents going up by 9%.
That is on top of rents that have effectively doubled in recent years. They are going out of control. We need measures to address that, including rent controls, because that leads directly to people being homeless. The VAT reductions the Government has provided are pathetic, given the increased energy costs people are facing, particularly people with disabilities, single mothers, the vulnerable, the sick and so on who are disproportionately impacted, as well as low-paid workers. The Government's measures are nowhere near what is necessary. People's pay is effectively being slashed as we speak. We need increases in pay and income.
The Deputy mentioned the 390,000 people who are most vulnerable. The combined payments they receive from the Government, including the fuel allowance, as a result of the budget and the recent measures, is more than €1,000 in each case. It was never intended to cover their entire fuel bill for the year but it is a substantial contribution. The Government has extended the period and provided increases. It is well over €1,000 for the people most affected when the electricity payment is added. People appreciate the €2.1 billion put into this since budget day is substantial, but it was never intended to ameliorate all the effects of the Ukrainian war and other issues.
