THE COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS CONTINUES

being hit with huge increases in electricity and gas costs. Everything is going up except incomes, pensions and wages.

The government's budget has fallen short. One-off measures may take the sting out but do not provide a permanent solution. Many in our community are being faced with tough choices between heating or eating.

People Before Profit has laid out an alternative budget and put forward bills which would reduce rents and cap energy prices however these measures have been voted down by the government parties.

Among the key measures we propose are:

● Cap energy prices and nationalise the energy sector

● Protect Incomes by introducing a living wage, restoring the pension age to 65 and bring all social welfare benefits above the poverty line income

● Abolish all fees, charges and contributions for all levels of education

● Free childcare

All these measures are achievable by taxing wealth. We propose increasing corporation tax and employers PRSI, introducing a wealth tax and a tax on land banks and on vacant homes among other targeted tax measures.