Government is leaving families to 'fend for themselves' over Easter amid rising fuel prices

Sinn Féin is accusing the Government of abandoning families to "fend for themselves" over Easter, as fuel prices continue to rise.

The Government said its recent interventions are the largest of any EU member state, based on population, but Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald insists that they have got it wrong.

She said the recently announced fuel supports do not go far enough.

"We know that, as the Dáil is now in recess, that prices are soaring again. And we know that home heating oil is due to increase by €200," she said.

"This is not accceptable. It's not acceptable for the Taoiseach and for the Government to leave families to struggle in this way and to do so with their eyes wide open."

The Taoiseach Micheál Martin said on Friday that the Government cannot shield every industry from rising fuel and energy costs, and that it was doing its best to mitigate the cost burden.

Despite the introduction of a 20 cent and 15 cent cut in excise duty on diesel and petrol, the cost of filling up one’s car, bus, or tractor remained high, with significant price variations identified around the country, linked to the US and Israel bombing of Iran's oil facilities.