Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The top deciles are unchanged, the very bottom decile gains and those in between lose. In light of the amount of money that has been spent, that could be cited as a failure. If prices do not come down next year - we are looking at inflation next year - will we need even bigger one-off payments to protect people from poverty? This obviously causes uncertainty and distress for individuals and families but it also complicates the national finances and the budget process. What are the risks to the budget planning process of creating an even greater need for once-off payments next year as a result of the budget this year not addressing things on a more permanent basis?