Sinn Féin's finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has condemned the Government’s removal of energy credits in last year’s budget, arguing the decision heightened financial strain on households as prices rose and pushed many into arrears.

Deputy Doherty said: "At almost exactly this time last year, energy suppliers were announcing price increases and you were withdrawing energy credits. You did that despite the energy regulator warning that, without those credits, arrears could increase significantly.

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"By June, more than half a million electricity and gas accounts combined were in arrears."

Warning that a fresh round of energy price hikes will begin within weeks, the Donegal TD insisted ministers must step in urgently to protect consumers ahead of winter.

Deputy Doherty said Sinn Féin has repeatedly brought forward solutions: "We have the solution, and we have consistently put it to you – €400 in electricity credits this winter."

Calling for immediate clarity from Government, he asked: "Will you commit to delivering €400 in electricity credits this winter, before these latest increases hit?

"And will you finally intervene to ensure that energy companies are not simply allowed to keep passing higher costs onto people while you stand back and watch?"