Leader Peadar Tóibín says the motion – which will be presented on Wednesday – aims to halt upcoming increases of 32 cents on diesel and 27c on petrol.
Aontú is set to present a motion in the Dáil targeted at making life affordable for hard-pressed families in the cost-of-living crisis.
Leader Peadar Tóibín will put forward his motion on Wednesday to Reduce the Cost of Living.
He says at a time of spiralling prices and financial pressure, the Government is adding to household costs with policies like the carbon tax and high fuel prices.
His party’s motion calls for excise cuts – brought in after the fuel protests – to be remain beyond their July 31 deadline. He also calls for carbon taxes not to be increased, as they are due to be in October.
Said Tóibín: “If this motion passes, life will be significantly more affordable for millions of people here. The Central bank warned things are about to get worse here. Oil prices have risen in the past few days.
“Yet the government still seeks to increase petrol, diesel, green diesel and carbon taxes. The cost-of-living is affecting all but the most wealthy and has spiralled to record levels.
“Ireland is an outlier. Overall, we pay 35% more than the rest of the EU. We are the most expensive country in Europe for housing, energy; and health costs in particular, which are 85% above average. Electricity prices are 57% higher here, and so one-third of households are in energy arrears.
“Meanwhile, the Government is adding to the pressure with so many policies that take more money out of people’s pockets.
“Carbon tax didn’t exist until a few years ago and it took in over one billion euro last year. In the jaws of a cost of living crisis, this government made more on fuel taxes than ever.
“This is absolutely wrong. At the end of July it’s the government’s objective to put the prices of diesel and petrol back up. In October, carbon is due to go up, as it is due to do every October until 2030.
“This Bill calls for the fuel prices not to go back up, and carbon tax not to be increased, at a time of sheer pressure in the cost-of-living crisis.”
An Aontú petition to fight back against the rising cost of living has attracted more than 1,100 signatures.
Deputy Tóibín urged people to sign the petition to stop the increase in petrol and diesel, as called for under Aontú’s Private Members Business (PMB) motion.
