Sinn Fein Urges Emergency Cost-of-Living Package; Government Cites Existing EU Support

Sinn Fein Spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty urged the Government to introduce an emergency cost-of-living package immediately, following the European Commission's relaxation of state aid rules to allow member states cushion energy costs. Doherty stated the Government was «choosing not to act» despite surpluses identified in the Spring Economic Statement, arguing that a fraction of these surpluses would significantly help ordinary people.

Tánaiste Simon Harris responded that the Government had already implemented one of the EU's largest support packages and would not introduce a «mini-budget». While not ruling out future actions, Harris emphasized the Government cannot hold a budget every Thursday. He defended the recent €750m package, stating the Chief Economist at the Department of Finance estimated it would lower inflation by 0.6% in May, June, and July, thereby positively impacting supermarket bills.

Labour Spokesperson on Finance Ged Nash called for a «mini-budget» to provide immediate relief for PAYE workers, questioning why they must wait over six months for the next budget when other groups received quicker support. Nash suggested reversing VAT cuts, introducing a windfall tax on energy companies, and using funds for targeted €400 energy credits for average-income households, as well as support for grocery and school costs.