The Green Party leader has admitted wealthy people and those with holiday homes could get a €400 energy credit because the Government believed it had to get the money to people as quickly as possible.
Opposition TDs have blasted the Government over its failure to target those that need the support the most and instead has now put itself in a situation where an individual that has a holiday home or second property will get €400 off their energy bill.
Approximately €12 million will be spent on over 61,000 holiday homes and when this was put to Minister Ryan whether that was a good use of money, he said: “It does apply everywhere and it applies to people whether they are in rented accommodation or whether they own the property.
“Yes there will be some people in those cases that will benefit but if we were to go take it away from that universal approach, you would not be able to do it in a timely manner,” he told RTÉ.
However, Opposition TDs in Sinn Fein and the Social Democrats have slammed Minister Ryan’s explanation and said they have been calling on the Government since December to take action to help people.
Government sources had indicated that the initial €100 energy credit would come off people’s bills at the end of February but now it’s not expected until late March or April.
Social Democrats co-leader Roisin Shorthall said: “A cursory examination of the figures reveals the inequity at the core of this plan.
“The vast bulk of the €505 million package comprises €378 million directed at universal €200 electricity credits – meaning 75% of the funding is not targeted.
“To further underscore this point, as part of this plan, holiday home owners will receive a mammoth €12.4 million.
“By contrast, the Working Family Payment measures in the plan are just €4 million – a meagre one-third of that amount.
“Does the government believe holiday home owners are under more financial strain than low income workers?
“Finance Minister Michael McGrath has stated he will donate his €200 electricity grant to charity.
“If his colleagues in cabinet do the same, it will mean a combined donation of €3,000 from ministers.
“Compare this to the €378 million package they had the power to target at low and middle income earners.
“If they had directed that funding to those most in need, perhaps they would have prevented many from seeking the assistance of charities like the St. Vincent de Paul this year.”
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has called for private sector pay rises of up to 5.5% to help workers to cope with the rising cost of living.
ICTU general secretary Patricia King has said: "It is important that workers' living standards are protected and employers and Government must play their part.
When asked about Ms King’s remarks, Taoiseach Micheál Martin warned against “chasing” inflation.
Speaking to reporters in France on Friday, he said: “There already had been increases last year and coming into this year, and the data is there in terms of wage increases.
“I think, generally as a society, we have to be careful that we don't try and chase inflation and then end up causing more harm than good.
"There will be soundings between ourselves and the unions and the employers on this.
“The private sector in the market is dictating a lot already in terms of wage rates."
