Government accused of 'Bertienomics' over cost of living plans

We're expecting to hear this evening what measures will be brought in to help people cope with rapid inflation

Image via Wikimedia

The government has been accused of engaging in 'Bertienomics' over plans to address the cost of living.

Ministers will meet later to sign off on a plan aimed at addressing rampant inflation.

You could hardly miss it at the checkout, or the petrol pump, or almost anywhere else.

Costs have gone up as inflation soars, leaving people struggling.

This evening a Cabinet sub-committee on Economic Recovery will sign off on a plan to help people

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar says they realise people are struggling:

"The budget package and the package that we're going to announce today will be worth somewhere in the region of €1.4-1.5 billion, and that is considerable".

But the opposition are not convinced Government gets it, with Labour TD Aodhan O'Riordain accusing the Government of 'Bertienomics':

"What you're trying to convince people is that you can cut their taxes and tinker around public service and that it will all be fine," he said in the Dáil.

It's expected the 100 euro electricity grant will increase and probably double, while there will be moves on fuel allowance and some budget measures due to take effect later this year will be brought forward.