The Affordable Ireland Campaign has said the government package on energy costs is completely inadequate.
It has called a protest to demand real action on energy costs.
It will be held at 5.30pm on Wednesday March 25th at Dáil Éireann on Kildare Street.
In a statement the Campaign said;
“The Government package today is completely inadequate. It will not provide much relief to those in arrears for electricity or the 30% of households who are in fuel poverty. Experts are predicting that electricity bills could rise by €800 this year. While the extension of the fuel allowance is welcome it will not adequately compensate people who are already struggling.
“The biggest benefits have gone to the haulage industry who will benefit from reduced excise rates and also from an enhanced refund scheme.
“This stands in stark comparison to the Government’s refusal to meet the demand of disabled people for a €400 emergency payment to deal with rising costs.
“The clear lesson is that those who are struggling with increased costs must apply real pressure on the Government. We need to up the pressure on the Government for real action on energy costs”
The Affordable Ireland Campaign is supported by Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn. The Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, Irish Wheelchair Association, Disability Federation of Ireland, Disabled Women Ireland, Access for All, Irish Traveller Movement, UCD Students Union, Postgraduate Workers Organisation, Dublin Council of Trade Unions, UNITE, Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed, Sinn Féin, Social Democrats, People Before Profit, Solidarity: The Socialist Alternative, The Green Party, Labour Party, Muslim Sisters of Éire, European Anti-Poverty Network Ireland.
The demands underpinning the campaign are to
1. Cut energy costs - energy credits and abolish standing charges.
2. Reduce and control grocery prices.
3. Introduce a Living Wage. For Above-Inflation pay, social welfare benefits and pension rises.
4. Introduce a cost of disability payment. For an emergency winter payment for disabled people and carers.
5. Freeze and cap rents – and build public housing.
6. Abolish fees for public services - college, childcare, health and GP care.