We need real measures in the budget to help people through this energy crisis.
That's according to Senator Joe O'Reilly who spoke to the Wider View today about the rise in inflation and the subsequent impact that is having on people's pockets.
He says the insecurity around energy supply this winter and the rising cost of bills needs to be addressed by Government.
Senator O'Reilly added that hope does remain that cuts to electricity supply can be avoided.
However, he warned that if there are cuts, supply will then have to be preserved for emergency services and essential industry
"We have had a very attractive wage agreement in the public sector," continued Senator O'Reilly.
"So now we need to bring in real measures to support people in this time of inflation and rise in energy costs.
"If we do have energy shortages there will have to be a structure to that.
"By that I mean we will need to preserve supply to hospital services, essential industry and peak hours will have to be examined.
