While a new survey reveals that the number of people in precarious situations has doubled since the pandemic, going from 9% to 18%, the Irish government has just announced a series of aid to relieve households. Discounts on electricity, gasoline or transport for a total of 500 million euros. But the government recognized that this would not be enough for the most precarious.
With our correspondent in Dublin, Laura Taouchanov
This passage to the pump is always a moment dreaded by Troy, a taxi driver. With 150 km covered each day, a fuel package of 125 euros will not change much for him over the year. ” I get up in the morning for my workday and pray for the best. I try not to think about it too much, he testifies. It has increased so much, by 20 cents, maybe more, but that’s how it is. »
Like two million households, Jone will receive 200 euros for electricity. But that will not be enough: inflation is too high there too, his efforts to cut the heating are not felt at all on his bill. ” I just received my invoice, he reports. If you consume less, they will charge you. Even if you don’t use anything at all, they will charge you. I don’t think it will help to give 200 euros to everyone and they should have given to the most precarious because there are people who can pay. »
Increases higher than the European average
But the government is already doing a lot, especially with the reduction of transport tickets by 20%, estimates Jackie who takes the bus every day. “ People want to be mothered by the government all the time. They complain constantly but we are not the only country to suffer from inflation! “he relativizes.
In Ireland, inflation in the prices of electricity, heating and petrol far exceed European averages.