DONEGAL TD  Pearse Doherty has said the government’s “reckless decision” to ignore the cost-of-living crisis is leaving people in a desperate situation as a new report shows that food price inflation has hit 6.5 per cent over the last 12 months.

Deputy Doherty added that workers and families abandoned in this year’s budget are being hit hard by unsustainable hikes in the price of groceries.  

“It is alarming to see food price inflation is continuing to rise as set out in a new report that shows the inflation rate has now hit 6.5% for the last 12 months.

“That won’t come as a surprise to anyone who does the weekly food shop. 

“People know that they are getting fleeced week in and week out.”

Deputy Doherty, the Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, said those same people looked on in horror recently as the government brought forward a budget that completely ignored the cost-of-living crisis. 

“While the government buries its head in the sand and tries to pretend the cost-of-living crisis is over, ordinary workers and families are getting crucified by price hike after price hike.

“All the evidence is pointing in one direction when it comes to food prices things are getting worse, not better. 

“People are spending more and more on the basics like just trying to put food on the table.

“The government must get off the bench and take action.”