Sinn Féin spokesperson for Climate Action and the Environment, Darren O’Rourke TD, has slammed the government for failing to tackle Ireland’s exorbitantly high energy prices, which remain the highest in the EU.

Commenting on the latest figures released from Eurostat, the Meath East TD said:

“Eurostat’s latest figures confirmed yet again that Irish households are confronted with the highest energy prices in the EU, with the average bill typically €500 higher than the EU average.

“The cost of domestic electricity alone is €350 more per annum. Gas prices here also soar above EU levels, with households paying €183 more on average.

“It therefore costs ordinary workers and families here one third more to heat and power their homes. In other words, we are being ripped off.

“Unsurprisingly, half a million energy customers are now in debt. This is the highest number ever recorded.

“Three years into this crisis, the latest figures on energy debt reveal the deep flaws in our energy system. Government policy is failing miserably. Instead of working for ordinary people and prioritising energy affordability, Ireland’s energy system favours the corporate balance sheet.

“In Sinn Féin, we recognise that Ireland’s energy system is plagued by deep-rooted structural flaws; flaws which have been allowed to fester by successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael led governments leading to the complete dysfunction we see today.

“Workers and families need a break. The government’s solution is ‘once-off’ electricity credits.

“First, €250 is nowhere near the amount needed to address the scale of the problem. After all, annual costs remain €1000 more than they were four years ago. Combined with the recently announced increase in network charges and the PSO levy, Irish households will barely feel the effect of these meagre payments.

“Second, temporary electricity credits do not address the root causes of Ireland’s broken energy system.

“Like the housing crisis, this government is behaving as though widespread energy poverty is a normal feature of the energy system, when it is not. This is a political choice.

“Sinn Féin is committed to wholesale market reform of our energy system. As long as energy is treated as a commodity for private gain rather than as a basic necessity and public good, the price will remain unreasonably high here.

“Sinn Féin will deliver the wholesale change necessary to make energy affordable in a system that prioritises fairness over the corporate balance sheet. Our plan includes measures to reform the various market defects that drive up the cost of energy here; from the regressive way taxes and levies are currently distributed to the excessive commercialisation of energy.

“Sinn Féin will transform Ireland’s energy system towards fairness, transparency, and affordability, ensuring energy companies are held to account and that ordinary workers and families feel the benefit of the renewables transition in their pockets. At the upcoming election, voters will face a clear choice. A choice between more of the same from this out of touch government, or change through a Sinn Féin government determined to ensure ordinary workers and families get a break from high costs.”