Pressure mounts as authorities appear unfazed amidst escalating consumer costs and rising prices
In Ireland, the cost of energy has become a matter of 'real concern' for Tánaiste Simon Harris, with the Government allocating €3.5 billion to EirGrid to address the issue. The Government has also taken action to help, extending the 9% VAT rate for gas and electricity. However, Sinn Féin finance spokesman Pearse Doherty accuses the Government of refusing to provide energy credits this year, a claim that has not been confirmed.
In a move to exert pressure on Israel, Tánaiste Harris believes acting at an EU level is the best approach. This stance is shared by Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan, who has strongly urged the passage of the Occupied Territories Bill in full. The bill, originally tabled by Senator Frances Black, aims to prohibit trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied territories.
The bill's passage has the support of key political figures, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin committing to its legislating. However, he does not contemplate expelling Israel from the United Nations at this time. President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Micheál Martin have expressed concern about Israel's criticism and undermining of the United Nations. Ivana Bacik, a Fianna Fáil presidential candidate, calls for the Occupied Territories Bill to be implemented without delay, accusing Germany and the US of encouraging the Israeli government in its approach to Gaza.
The Middle East tensions have been highlighted by reports of children in Gaza dying of starvation, being orphaned, and shot in the street. Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik states that the genocide in Gaza has reached intolerable levels of cruelty over the summer. Ms Bacik also cites rents, student fees, petrol prices, and property prices as big issues for many Irish families, who are being affected by soaring prices according to Sinn Féin MEPs.
In positive news, fuel payments will resume to many households for the next 28 weeks, starting next Monday. However, more than 500,000 customers are expected to face price hikes in the coming weeks, as utility companies announce energy price increases. The Government has established a cross-Government energy affordability taskforce to address these issues.
In the political landscape, Fianna Fáil presidential candidate Jim Gavin states that the presidency is non-partisan and not political. President Michael D Higgins has expressed a personal opinion about Israel's exclusion from the United Nations, but the presidency remains neutral on the issue.
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