Government being 'dragged kicking and screaming' to help with cost of living crisis

Elsewhere, Fine Gael senators discussed a motion on giving more to the 'squeezed middle' that pays a 'large proportion of income tax but [are] earning too much to qualify for many State supports'

The latest CSO figures last week put inflation at a 38-year-high, with energy and fuel costs, as well as the cost of the weekly shop, all driving costs upwards.

The Government has been accused of having to be "dragged kicking and screaming" to provide measures to support households facing the cost of living crisis, as both opposition TDs and Fine Gael senators on Tuesday called for measures to provide relief to families.

Reacting to comments made by Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan that those struggling to pay for fuel should go to their local social welfare office and look for assistance, Social Democrat TD Jennifer Whitmore said it was “totally out of touch” and a “really insulting suggestion to make to people”.