IEA advice clear – will Irish government be brave enough to act?
IEA advice clear - will Irish government be brave enough to act? - The Labour Party
- Case for legal right to remote work continues to grow
Labour’s energy spokesperson Ciaran Ahern TD said the short-termism in Irish politics has failed people now at the height of an energy crisis.
Following advice from the IEA to encourage people who can to work from home, use public transport and use lower speed limits, Deputy Ahern said Government will have to answer how they will respond to the greatest energy crisis facing a generation.
Deputy Ahern said:
“An immediate and real way to protect working people from energy price hikes, as confirmed by the IEA, is to ensure that commuters have access to remote and flexible working where possible. During recent yellow weather warnings, workers were encouraged to work from home where possible. The same logic and support must be provided to workers at this critical time.
“This is exactly why Labour brought forward our Work Life Balance Bill. Our legislation would have created a clear legal right for workers to request remote or flexible working arrangements. It would not be a panacea, but as the IEA has clearly stated, access to remote work would have a real positive impact for commuters.
“People across the country have experienced extraordinary shocks in prices, with commuters feeling particular pressure due to the soaring cost of fuel. While media reports suggest that Government will address prices through a temporary excise duty cut, people really need to know what will be done for those reliant on home heating oil and those now living in real fear of receiving an energy bill in the post.
“With over 320,000 people already in energy arrears, we need to see stronger action on the cost of living for people. So far this Government have got their priorities wrong when it comes to addressing energy poverty, and we need to see a change of course.
“The IEA describes what we’re living through as the biggest energy crisis ever. It would be downright irrational to add to our demand by building new LNG infrastructure, as this Government intends to do. As a nation, we need someone in Government, like Minister O’Brien, to have the courage and foresight to end our reliance on imported fuels, and increase our renewable energy.
“We have an abundance of potential with offshore wind that would lower household bills and give us a cleaner, healthier environment. We could be world-leaders in offshore wind production but we’re 20 years behind where we should be because of Government inaction and yet the Government still can’t see the wood for the trees.”