30 June 2018
By Mary Bermingham
mary@TheCork.ie
Billy Kelleher TD is Fianna Fail’s Spokesman on Business, Enterprise and Innovation
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Billy Kelleher has said that everyday activities such as going to GAA matches or attending music concerts are becoming out of reach for ordinary people due to rocketing ticket prices.
“Summer in Ireland has always been marked by families heading to see their county play championship football or hurling, or couples and young people going to a music festival.
“However, the cost of attending these types of events has rocketed over the past five years.
“Of course, there is huge demand for these types of events, but paying over €100 for an average concert ticket, or close to €160 to bring a family of four to a championship match are big financial asks for many people.
“These increases are all adding fuel to the fire that is the rising cost of living in this country.
“Ordinary workers, families and young people are seeing their take home pay meet less and less of their requirements. Costs are going up but wages aren’t to the same extent. The gap between what people need and what people can afford is growing.
“When we look at other basic costs such as childcare, motor insurance, electricity and transport, they are going in only one direction – up!
“The Government is simply not tackling the rising cost of living head on. They talk a good game about reducing unemployment rates but yet people in work are struggling to balance the books. Fianna Fáil will continue to campaign on this issue and call out the Government for their inaction, while bringing forward credible proposals to protect consumers and reduce the cost of living.
For example, only last week I introduced the ‘Civil Liability and Courts (Amendment) Bill 2018’ in the Dáil to clamp down on false insurance claims, which is driving up premiums and adding to the rising cost of living.
“These costs need to be dealt with. The activities that are the hallmark of normal Irish life – sport and music, are now being affected. It needs action,” concluded Kelleher.
