Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Shutterstock/Sunshine Studio

Taoiseach: 'No cliff edge to cost-of-living supports at the end of February'

Discussions will take place in the coming weeks on what further supports will be needed.

THERE WILL BE “no cliff edge” to cost-of-living supports for families and businesses at the end of February, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said. 

Speaking to the media after Cabinet met in Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park today, Varadkar said there is some evidence that inflation has peaked and may come down over the next couple of months.

However, he said that this might no be reflected in falling prices.

“There’s a big difference between inflation going down and prices going down. So the fact that prices remain very high, I think it’s going to continue to be difficult for families over the next few months, for businesses as well,” he said.

The three party leaders and key ministers will discuss over the next few weeks what more the government can do to help families and businesses with the cost-of-living, said Varadkar. 

When asked by The Journal if a new cost-of-living package measures will be rolled out or if current supports be extended, the Taoiseach said “we’re not going to have a cliff edge at the end of February”. 

The disconnection moratorium for all domestic customers to scheduled to end on 28 February 2023.

The 9% VAT rate is due to return to 13.5% at the end of February and the excise decrease is also scheduled to end. Many business supports are also due to cease next month.

Mentioning those specific supports, the Taoiseach said:

“We all agreed today that we couldn’t have a cliff edge in that sense. But no decisions have been made yet as to what schemes might continue, what might not, we will sit down the key ministers involved in the next few weeks and examine that and see what we can come up with.

“But we haven’t made any decision on that as of today. But suffice to say that we don’t envisage a cliff edge at the end of February where all supports will end and all taxes will go back up in one fell swoop.”

While Varadkar said it is still too early to conclude that inflation has peaked, he believes that prices will not fall at the same rate.  

“I don’t think we’re going to see prices go down or go down significantly. And that means that there will continue to be families and businesses that are going to struggle with the cost of living throughout the year,” he added. 

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
13 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mark Dawson
    Favourite Mark Dawson
    Report
    Jan 11th 2023, 10:48 PM

    Cross border bus shopping trips will be a good business again my brother in law saved over 200 euros on Christmas drink and did a months grocery shopping and saved as much for the 20 euros he used in diesel was well worth it

    258
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean O Callaghan
    Favourite Sean O Callaghan
    Report
    Jan 12th 2023, 1:39 AM

    @Mark Dawson: Well, cross border is not in the Euro zone, so why not take advantage of “duty free” when it presents? Cheaper to drive than fly

    45
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Roger Bond
    Favourite Roger Bond
    Report
    Jan 12th 2023, 7:24 AM

    Wholesale gas prices are below what they were a year ago before the war..
    Why is gas for consumers and electricity too not being reduced..

    206
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Derek Lyster
    Favourite Derek Lyster
    Report
    Jan 12th 2023, 12:01 AM

    It was great to see the carbon tax go on the cost of fuel anyway, bunch of fkn chancers the lot of them

    225
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean O Callaghan
    Favourite Sean O Callaghan
    Report
    Jan 12th 2023, 2:26 AM

    @Derek Lyster: And you walk or cycle everywhere always?

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eoghan Augusta
    Favourite Eoghan Augusta
    Report
    Jan 12th 2023, 4:00 AM

    @Sean O Callaghan: doesn’t matter you pay it anyway

    75
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Derek Lyster
    Favourite Derek Lyster
    Report
    Jan 12th 2023, 9:07 AM

    @Sean O Callaghan: no, why?

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerry k
    Favourite Gerry k
    Report
    Jan 12th 2023, 4:00 AM

    Unfortunately there is a cliff edge for most people

    130
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe Almiron
    Favourite Joe Almiron
    Report
    Jan 12th 2023, 6:10 AM

    @Gerry k: Not really. Very few people in Ireland live in abject poverty and if they do, it’s mostly self inflicted.

    65
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Colette Kearns
    Favourite Colette Kearns
    Report
    Jan 12th 2023, 6:42 AM

    @Joe Almiron: it must be great for you walking around with that blindfold on! Thousands of people can’t afford to live & hundreds looking at been evicted because they just don’t have the money, not to mention the people whose homes are falling down or faulty, but I suppose you think that’s their fault!

    201
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute William Mcgee
    Favourite William Mcgee
    Report
    Jan 12th 2023, 9:21 AM

    gas is cheaper today than it was before the war in ukraine started so why are we the people being robbed by the gas and electric companies ,and the government taking in billions in tax on the sales of gas and oil .

    106
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Colette Kearns
    Favourite Colette Kearns
    Report
    Jan 12th 2023, 10:28 AM

    @William Mcgee: That’s what happens under privatisation!

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mary Nugent
    Favourite Mary Nugent
    Report
    Jan 12th 2023, 12:23 AM

    This must be the St.Valintine’s day massacre he was talking about. Before the last General Election true to his word on these matters. Good man.

    65
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds