There are \u201ctwo different realities\u201d in Ireland, Mary Lou McDonald has said, one of budget surplus billions and another of households unable to heat their homes.<\/p>\n
The Sinn F\u00e9in leader was speaking at Leaders\u2019 Questions in the D\u00e1il on Tuesday after the Government\u2019s Spring Economic Forecast was published.<\/p>\n
It said a surplus of \u20ac9.2 billion is expected, up from the \u20ac5.1 billion estimate when the Budget was published in October.<\/p>\n
The Sinn F\u00e9in leader said: \u201cYour Government is taking in billions more and yet people can\u2019t afford to heat their homes, people can\u2019t pay their electricity bills.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s as though there are two different realities in this country, one in your forecast of growth of surpluses, and another at kitchen tables across the land, cold homes, mounting bills and real fear.\u201d<\/p>\n
It’s not as if there’s billions hanging around the drawer somewhere to just take and spend<\/p>\n
Micheal Martin<\/p>\n
She said the \u201cenergy crisis is not easing, it is intensifying\u201d, and she accused ministers of being \u201cspectators in this crisis, rather than the Government responsible for fixing it\u201d.<\/p>\n
Responding, Miche\u00e1l Martin said \u201cevery country across the world is grappling with this reality\u201d, and his Government has \u201cresponded in a substantial, targeted and sustainable way\u201d.<\/p>\n
He said while there are surpluses projected, there is also an Exchequer deficit of around \u20ac1.8 billion.<\/p>\n
The Taoiseach said this is because the Government is transferring funding from the Exchequer to investments.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not as if there\u2019s billions hanging around the drawer somewhere to just take and spend,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou surely know that and what\u2019s happening with that funding?<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been invested in people, in housing, in energy and infrastructure.\u201d<\/p>\n
A surplus of over \u20ac9billion and people can\u2019t heat their homes or pay their electricity bills. Something is badly wrong. Fianna F\u00e1il and Fine Gael aren\u2019t listening. They are refusing to act. We need to keep the pressure on so that people get the support that they need now. pic.twitter.com\/dlCHrZ52I1<\/a><\/p>\n