Government will compensate poor for carbon tax, says Gormley

Green Party leader John Gormley has said that the Government will honour a promise to compensate poorer people suffering because of the increase in fuel costs as a result of the carbon tax.

The Labour Party is tabling a motion in the Dáil today calling for action on the rising level of fuel poverty in the State.

It comes after figures from the Energy Regulator show that around 2,500 people had their electricity supply disconnected this year for failing to pay the bills.

Minister Gormley said that the Government is still committed to increasing the fuel allowance for those hit badly by the carbon levy.

“Yes I believe that will be possible,” he said.

“I see reports over the weekend that there’s some kind of stand-off (with coalition partners Fianna Fáil), there isn’t.”