Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Dr. Doorley's points. She made a very valid one about not knowing how that money is spent because if we look at it across a model, it could be said poverty has not increased, but if it is spent on a one-off that may not have been spent if it was spread out, then it causes real pressures for those families.

The last question I have - I am conscious Dr. Doorley's colleague is not here - is on inflation. The ESRI says inflation is now being driven by food and housing costs. We know mortgage interest has been driving inflation over recent years, but what other components of housing costs are at play? Is it solely mortgage interest that is pushing up inflation or are we still seeing pressures from rent pushing it up as well?