Sinn Féin TD for Waterford Conor D. McGuinness has said rising energy arrears expose the Government’s failure to tackle soaring bills, with electricity costs still 83% higher than before the energy crisis and gas bills up 107%.

Deputy McGuinness said electricity arrears have increased by 20% in a year, while gas arrears have risen by 17%, leaving more households struggling to keep up.

He said:

“Waterford families are being hammered by energy bills, and the Government has no credible plan to bring those costs down.

“Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have withdrawn energy credits while bills remain vastly higher than before the crisis. They have ignored calls to restore that support and left families to carry the cost.

“These figures expose the consequences. More households are falling into debt, including one-parent families already under enormous financial pressure.

“The Government is managing the fallout rather than tackling the problem. Families do not need more debt management schemes. They need lower bills.

“There is no meaningful action to introduce a social tariff, ensure large energy users pay their fair share of network costs, or make energy more affordable for ordinary households.

“Successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael governments have chosen to protect the status quo rather than stand up for workers, families and pensioners.

“Waterford families cannot keep absorbing these costs. The Government must restore energy credits, tackle excessive energy prices and deliver lasting reductions in household bills.”