Household Energy Credit Needs to be Increased Immediately

Household Energy Credit Needs to be Increased Immediately - Nelligan

The Aontú representative for Castletroy, Eric Nelligan, is calling on the Government to announce an immediate and substantial increase to the Household Energy Credit to offer hope and financial aid after the recent cold spell which saw temperatures drop to -9 degrees in some parts of the country.

Speaking today said Mr Nelligan ‘’The recent ten-day freezing cold spell will see the next energy bill for every single household in the country significantly increase, I did a quick tot of my Gas meter today as the cold spell came to an end, the next Bill I receive will be close to 3 times the equivalent 2021 Bill.’’

Mr Nelligan continued ‘’Every household is eligible for the €200 electricity credit to help offset the multiple increases in the cost of gas and electricity over the past year, If the government agrees to the Aontú call to offer relief to families and households all over the country it must act now and not dawdle. The chance to increase the second installment passed on the 20th of December, the only relief payment that can be increased now is the final payment, the end date for increasing this payment is the 27th February 2023.’’

“Met Eireann data show that January and February are the coldest months in Ireland, we have the most challenging months ahead of us and already many people, especially old people, will be wondering if they can keep the heating on to satisfy their basic needs, anything other than doubling the final household payment from the current €200 credit to a once off €400 sum will not be acceptable. Government policies played a significant part in the high prices we currently are charged by the companies, the least the Government can do is for them to accept the Aontú proposal”. concluded Mr Nelligan.

CRÍOCH

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.