Sinn Féin's spokesperson on the Environment, Climate and Energy, Pa Daly TD, has called on the government to immediately reintroduce energy credits following the publication of new electricity and gas arrears figures for October.

The latest data shows the number of households in arrears has risen back above 300,000, reversing a slight drop recorded in September after reaching a record high in August.

Commenting on the figures, Teachta Daly said: "The latest arrears data has revealed that arrears have shot back up above 300,000 this October. Having dropped slightly from a record high in August, they have crept back up again.

"The huge numbers of households in debt combined with the sheer scale of energy poverty in this state make a clear case for the reintroduction of energy credits."

He criticised the government's decision to end the credits, arguing that it has left households exposed at a time of continued high energy costs.

"The government's cruel decision to rip away these supports in the aftermath of a spate of price hikes across the board is a slap in the face to ordinary workers and families," he said, adding that warnings from government officials about the likely consequences had been ignored.

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"There is serious concern about the impact that this decision is going to have over the next few months."

Pa Daly noted that in previous years energy credits had provided vital winter relief, helping to reduce arrears levels.

"Over the last few years, it was around this time of year that households could expect to receive the first of three credits, providing much needed relief over the Winter months and reducing the number of households in energy debt," he said.

"For example, between October and November last year the number of households in arrears fell from 284,000 to 233,153. They remained relatively lower while the credits were in effect, and sky-rocketed from February onwards.

"This year however, no such relief can be expected."

He rejected the government's claim that emergency supports were no longer required, pointing to rising household bills and Ireland’s comparatively high energy costs.

"Household energy bills have doubled over the last 5 years, with households expected to pay nearly €2000 on their bills annually and over €300 more than they did last year," he said.

"Prices remain €205 above their 2022 peak when adjusted for inflation and in fact have fallen much more slowly here than they did elsewhere in Europe."

Pa Daly also raised concerns about price gouging and profiteering in the energy market, accusing the government of failing to act.

"Finally, the gap between when energy costs to produce and what we pay for it is not only growing – it's the biggest in the world.

"None of this is normal. Instead, it is the result of the political choices this government is making."

He said price gouging had been raised at an Oireachtas Committee hearing last week and accused the government of inaction despite acknowledging the issue.

"If that is the case, what action has he taken to address profiteering? That should be his first priority rather than ripping away essential supports."

Pa Daly concluded by urging the government to reverse its decision and implement longer-term reforms.

"It doesn't have to be this way. The government must immediately reintroduce credits and adopt Sinn Féin’s proposals to bring down the cost of energy long term."