High rents, rising insurance costs and soaring energy bills are all hitting households, the Dáil has heard.
Sinn Féin's Spokesperson on Health said that on top of that, many home owners are facing a hike in their local property tax.
Speaking during Leaders' Questions, David Cullinane said that no sooner was the ink dry on a budget that gave nothing to ordinary workers, than the Government returned to heap more pressure on them.
People have had enough of a Government that talks about helping people but signs off on measures to hammer them, Mr Cullinane said.
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Jack Chambers responded by saying that the local property tax is a progressive tax, which is funding amenities around the country.
Sinn Féin has to be honest about how it will pay for all its promises, the minister said.
Mr Chambers insisted that a significant number of homes will not see an increase in their property tax.
Meanwhile, Labour leader Ivana Bacik said the Government needs to take responsibility for its "abject failure" on housing, and then deliver a "radical reset" of its policy.
She referenced yesterday's Future 40 report from the Department of Finance, which suggested Ireland's housing crisis is likely to persist for at least another 15 years.
Deputy Bacik described the document as a "grim analysis", and decried the Government's "utterly bizarre" approaching on housing in which it "acts as if you have no power."
The Dublin Bay South TD said the Coalition needs to "step-up" and invest more in the development of public homes, adding: "You are not by standers... Show some urgency."
In reply, Minister Chambers said the Future 40 report was not a projection but 2,000 scenarios in the event of no action being taken.
He said the Government is changing its policies on an ongoing basis, referencing the upcoming revised Housing plan which he said would be published in "a few weeks."
Minister Chambers said the National Development Plan showed a "significant increase" in capital spending but, he argued, it's not just about what the State allocates.
He contended the private sector plays a significant role in the deliver of homes but, he claimed, the Opposition engages in "total negativity" when Minister for Housing James Browne advanced plans to enable builders to construct wastewater schemes.
Deputy Bacik said that the Government "consistently abuse" Opposition parties, like Labour, which proposes "carefully costed considered proposals."
Minister Chambers said the Government would spend €100 billion over the next five years, with a strategic focus on housing, energy and water in order to deliver more homes" but the Opposition fails to be honest on the need for the private market to complement that.
