Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation
Dail Éireann — 2026-04-29
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Eoin Hayes (SD), Dublin Bay South

The CSO recently released data on rising levels of poverty among our older population. The consistent poverty rate for those living alone aged 65 years and over was 9.6%, which is nearly one out of every ten, compared with 5.2% in 2024. This is a staggering near doubling in just one year. More than 30% are now at risk of poverty. I know the Taoiseach was in Stoneybatter yesterday evening and I was not so far away, canvassing in Phibsborough. As he went door to door, did the Taoiseach meet the pensioners who are struggling to heat their homes, the ones who stay in bed until a bit later to save on gas or home heating oil? Just an hour ago I heard from family carers telling me the cost of energy for them at home has tripled and the Government is overwhelmingly failing them in the support they have in their hand. Pensioners need supports, carers need supports and disabled people need supports. Will the Government finally implement the Social Democrat's proposed €400 targeted energy credit for older people and disabled people and those who care for them?

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-04-29/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-21T01:01:08+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-04-29