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A warning has been issued that coal costs are reaching crisis point as prices continue to surge.
Sinn Féin representative Claire Kerrane TD has called for urgent action from the government to address the issue, with a bag of coal expected to increase by as much as €5 next week.
Teachta Kerrane said: "Sinn Féin outlined in our cost of living package last month that a number of key measures are needed to protect ordinary people from the rising cost of living.
"One of these core proposals is to extend eligibility for fuel allowance. The current criteria is far too limited and means that many people who need support are being let down by this government.
"Sinn Féin's proposals would ensure a further 50,000 households would have access to these much needed supports. We also outlined the need to introduce a discretionary fund of €15m to assist households with energy costs. It is clear that there is an urgent need for this and that it must include people struggling to afford to purchase coal. This will be vital in ensuring people aren't plunged into debt and left at the mercy of moneylenders as they struggle to meet these sky high costs.
"We must ensure that this discretionary fund and any further exceptional needs payments are flexible and accessible in order to meet the needs of people who need help. It is indefensible that people would be excluded due to arbitrary rules such as working too many hours per week. Everyone who needs urgent help must be able to receive it in an accessible and timely way.
"Far too often we see this government act too little too late. Rather than appreciating the urgency of the cost of living crisis, this government is constantly out of touch and on the back foot. I am urging the government to grasp the urgency of the cost of living crisis and act now without delay.
"There can be no half measures, like we saw earlier this week with the government's late and lacklustre plans on fuel costs. The government must act urgently, decisively and deliver for people now."
