Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty TD, today called on the government to cancel its plans to hike the price of petrol and diesel twice more this year.

The Donegal TD was speaking after Barnardos reported that 47 percent of families have cut back on food, heat and other essentials as a result of the cost of living crisis.

Speaking in the Dáil today, Teachta Doherty said:

“The government plans to hike the price of petrol and diesel at the pump twice more this year, in August and October.

“This comes after the increased fuel prices last month.

“Today, Barnardos reported that nearly half of families have gone without or had to cut back on food, heat and other essentials as a result of the cost of living crisis.

“This is the reality for so many workers and families, struggling under this failing government.

“And instead of easing the burden on hard-pressed households, the government is determined to increase costs.

“The government plans to further increase taxes on petrol and diesel in August and again in October.

“This will see Irish households facing among the highest fuel prices in Europe.

“Sinn Féin have consistently said that fuel prices should be kept under review and action taken if fuel prices continue to rise.

“So many workers and families depend on their cars to travel to work, to make a hospital appointment or visit their relatives.

“The government must scrap its planned price hikes on petrol and diesel.

“That is what a Sinn Féin government would do.

“Sinn Féin will continue to call on the government not to go ahead with their planned tax hikes on petrol and diesel this year.”