A majority of MPs have called on the government to do more to compensate people for high energy prices, and are also calling for an increase in the tax free allowance for driving to work.

The calls were made during Tuesday’s debate on maintaining spending power, given the sharp rise in inflation over the past few months, and fears of more to come.

Currently, workers can claim 19 cents a kilometre tax free for work-related travel and this is due to go up in 2024. But now the four coalition parties, the Labour party and right wing opposition want this to be brought forward because of the sharp rise in fuel prices.

MPs also want the government to look into giving more people up to €800 to compensate them for soaring energy bills. The payments are currently being made to around 800,000 households with a gross income of up to €2,200 for a couple and €1,400 a month for a single person.

MPs want to increase the income requirement from 120% of the social minimum to 130%.

Ministers are due to respond later on Wednesday.