Calls have been made to increase social welfare and pension payments as families across Ireland are struggling with the rising cost of living.
People Before Profit’s Pichard Boyd Barrett TD is urging the government to hold an emergency Budget. He said that social welfare and pension payments should be increased to €300 a week.
He has also called on the government to introduce price controls on groceries. Figures from Barnardos reveal that nearly 30% of parents are going without food to feed their children.
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One in seven parents is unable to afford a family meal, according to the stark report. Labour spokesperson on Social Protection Sean Sherlock slammed the figures saying the gap between the have lots and have nots in Ireland is cutting away at the fabric of society.
He said: "Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have failed to tackle the permanent cost of living crisis and its biting at hard-working families up and down the country.
"This week, figures I obtained through parliamentary questions showed that the number of people apply for the exception needs payments has increased by 75%. While this payment has been a lifeline to so many people, it is not good enough that the government has failed to look to address the cost of living crisis with prices rising in food, energy, rent and essential household items."
He added: "A targeted wealth tax would be a modest tax on high rollers who have continue to reap high financial gains at a time when, as this research shows, too many people are struggling to put food on the table. The moneys recouped to the State could build a fund to provide much needed cost of living supports. People are choosing between heating and eating – this needs to be addressed."
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