The Government’s plan to provide humanitarian assistance to those whose homes have been damaged by the severe winter storms is repeating the mistakes of the past and is not fit for purpose, according to the Cork regional vice-president of St Vincent de Paul.

The Government is being accused of having a deliberate policy of driving up energy costs.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul has said its Christmas campaign has been a huge success this year.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul is calling on the Government to make the provision of healthcare a level playing field.