Coupled with rising energy prices, the government’s plan to increase the carbon tax as part of Budget 2022 will add to the costs of working families, making increases in minimum wage and social welfare redundant, says David Gardiner – Workers’ Party Palmerstown-Fonthill.

Gardiner said:
“The projected rate of inflation is 3.7%, meaning that the pathetic increase of €5 to social welfare payments and pensions, as well as the insulting 30c increase to those on lowest pay, will make no difference to people who are already struggling. It just doesn’t keep up with the actual cost of living.”

“The idea that an allowance for working from home is going to make any difference to working people is ludicrous. It is essentially voided by the increase in energy costs and carbon tax. Do the government really think we should be happy with these superficial benefits that have no substance or basis in reality?”

“We are all aware that the last 18 months of working from home has cost many workers financially. The government, however, has ignored this fact for all practical purposes. Instead, they have created a smokescreen, pretending to support those working from home while actually adding extra costs in this budget. What they give with one hand, they take away with the other.”

“The only solution to the rising energy prices is to nationalise the sector and remove the profit element, and to ensure that working people are able to afford energy in their homes, rather than having to make impossible decisions between essentials such as food or heating.”