The Exchequer pulled in €381m in VAT from electricity last year – a 40% per cent increase on the previous year.

In all, the State collected €1.4bn in tax from electricity and fuel in 2022, a rise of over €300m or 28%.

A reduced rate of 9% currently applies to electricity and gas – but it's due to return to 13.5% in March.

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín told Newstalk no VAT should be payable on energy at the moment.

“Many people are going form, you know, overdraft to overdraft – and that’s if they’re lucky enough to have an overdraft,” he said.

“Many people as well are being pushed to moneylenders. And yet we have the government with their hand on a lever that would have a direct effect on reducing the cost of living for people and they are refusing to do it.

“We are asking the government, in this time of crisis, to reduce the VAT rate to zero.”

He said the increase in tax takes come at a time when people are struggling to make ends meet.

“The Government should look to zero-rate the VAT on fuel this year in terms of the cost-of-living crisis and while the pressure has come off in terms of record inflation, we’re still seeing inflation that is multiples of normal levels.

“As a result, many people are finding it difficult to use their car and many people are finding it difficult to heat their homes.”