The private sector has paid out enough already

I wonder are these Government ministers living in the real world?

They are not grasping the hardship that the people of Ireland are facing this winter.

For example, fuel prices are currently at an all-time high, and a further rise is very possible. That will cause a lot of homes to be very cold this winter. The Government has an opportunity to reduce the excess on fuel to help households, as most homes are heated by oil systems. Plus, the Government could also help the hard-pressed motorist.

Food prices are set to rise due to the drought in the US and climatic conditions in Eastern Europe and Russia. Many families are finding it hard to meet ends meet, so this is going to increase the pressure further on people’s incomes. Yet the Government is doing nothing about it in advance, such as reducing Vat on food items.

Now the Government wants to introduce a property tax. The potential for income tax hikes are real because no Government ministers have ruled out an increase, including the Taoiseach.

The Government wants to reduce social welfare cuts to the hard-pressed weaker members of society. I would like Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton to live on €188 for just one week. I can assure her it’s hard. Yet we hear that over €1bn is paid in allowances to public sector and civil service. Minster for Public Service Brendan Howlin saved €3.5m out of a target of €75m. What a joke. Take on the public service unions. The private sector has paid enough.

John Farrell

Youghal

Co Cork