“The country ground to a halt earlier this year due to fuel protests and tomorrow it will grind to a halt again on Wednesday due to industrial action.”
Peadar Tóibín highlighted today how Ministers’ inaction triggered the largest public sector strike since the crash.
The Aontú leader told Taoiseach Micheál Martin in the Dáil: “The cost of living crisis which you created has led to a fall in public service income.
“The essential workers you applauded during the pandemic are getting poorer under your government.
“You said you are not seeking to cut wages, but you are, in real terms. The unions seek to front-end income in negotiations.
“Housing, electricity, gas and other fuels recorded an annual price increase of 9.5% in the 12 months to September. These are the main drivers of inflation.
“Petrol, diesel and home heating oil price increases account for a full quarter of the rate of inflation. These are the goods that you are responsible for.
“Nearly half – 45% – of the cost of petrol is tax. Electricity prices are the dearest in the EU. Your government is an engine of inflation.
“Tomorrow the country will be plunged into chaos. Operations will be cancelled. Courts and schools will be closed. Children with special needs will go without supports.
“The request of workers and trade union leaders is reasonable. They simply want an income that is not corroded by burgeoning inflation. They want to be able to make ends meet. At this late stage, will you set your intransigence aside and meet with union leaders?”
