Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath pleaded with the Government today for action immediately on the cost of living crisis. He accused the government of being detached from reality. Citing the recent Eurostat report which identified the extremely high cost of living in Ireland compared to other EU nations. Deputy McGrath noted the damage especially to rural communities due to energy and fuel costs. He accused the government of making small gestures while it continued to have huge revenues from taxes on fuel in particular. The Tánaiste Leo Varadkar gave a robust defence of the Government response and advised that the Eurostat report needed to be properly analysed as it also showed that Irish wages were higher than the EU average. The Government is working on proposals to address the cost of childcare, transport education and rent according to the Tánaiste as these costs in Ireland are higher than European average. Mr Veradkar said this would be the focus of the actions in October’s budget.
