RTE viewers had a lot to say after Transport Minister Eamon Ryan was interviewed during Thursday night's Prime Time.
The Green Party leader was quizzed by Miriam O'Callaghan about the crisis in Ukraine, as well as the cost of living surges in Ireland and fuel price surges.
Appearing via video link, he also defended how the government went about cutting excise duty on diesel and petrol.
The government moved to cut excise duty on fuel this week but it was already swallowed up after petrol stations across the country increased their prices.
Following this, the State’s consumer watchdog said petrol stations are free to increase fuel prices individually as there are “no legal barriers” stopping it.
Earlier this week, Minister Ryan suggested people should slow down while driving to make the fuel in the car tank last longer.
He said the cost of driving increases dramatically when they go over a certain speed limit.
When asked if he means people should drive slower to reduce demand on fuel, Minister Ryan said: “Yes in certain instances, when you go above certain speed limits the actual use of fuel increases dramatically, the cost of driving increases dramatically as one practical example of what people can make in the tank go further.”
After his appearance on Prime Time where he discussed the issue, people took to social media to air their disgruntlement over soaring fuel prices and the government's response.
One person said: "Not the best person to end a show with."
A second wrote: "Eamon Ryan is an embarrassment! #rtept."
A third said: "Where's the Red Chair when you want it.. #rtept."
A fourth commented: "I think Eamon Ryan is in need of more special advisors! #rtept."
Someone else said: "I don’t know which is more asinine, Miriam’s questions or Ryan’s answers. The most embarrassing element here is that we’re paying for both #RTEPT."
Another commented: "Has someone got flashcards to the left of Eamon Ryan #primetime #rtept."
While someone else chimed in: "Tbh I'm just jealous that Eamon Ryan lives in an alternate universe and I don't! #rtept #primetime."
