More infoThe Government will ignore “populist outrage” in opposition Budget submissions, a Cabinet minister has said, amid criticism of its response to the cost of living. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan defended the Government’s record on supporting households with living costs as he answered Leaders’ Questions on Tuesday. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald had accused the Government of withdrawing bill relief for consumers as four energy companies are preparing hikes in electricity prices. Ms McDonald said: “Hundreds of thousands of households will be forced to pay out even more for their electricity. The minister said previous budgets had included energy credits and other one-off payments, which he claimed were not supported by Sinn Féin at the time.