Extinction Rebellion Ireland plans to release its own ‘climate emergency Budget’ outside the Dail on Tuesday.
The protest group says it expects ministers to unveil a “climate destroying, business as usual Budget” despite the cost of living, energy and climate crises.
They are urging people to join them at Dail Eireann at noon to hear their spoof Minister “making a speech outside Leinster House and distributing a budget for an actual liveable future”.
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A spokesperson said: “An essential part of building a better world is first imagining it. This is an emergency, and we are all crew.”
Earlier this month, some 42 groups urged TDs to increase welfare and winter fuel payments in Budget 2023 to protect Irish households from rising bills.
They called for a range of measures including a one-off tax on energy firm profits, wider eligibility for the fuel allowance scheme, a dedicated retrofit scheme for rural homes still relying on solid fuels and ending the installation of fossil fuel boilers.
A package worth around €10 billion is expected from the Government but details on climate and environmental measures have been scant.
The Budget is expected to include a €10-15 hike in social welfare payments, a Christmas bonus for those on welfare, double child benefit, extended VAT cuts on fuel, further public transport cuts and a €600 payment towards household energy bills paid in two instalments before and after Christmas.
There could also be new schemes to encourage emissions cuts in agriculture, help for farmers facing rising feed and fertiliser prices and the carbon tax is also expected to rise by €7.50 per tonne as planned.
Budget 2023 will be presented to Dáil Éireann on Tuesday, September 27, with Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, expected to speak around 1pm.
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