Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ministers and their teams very much. I apologise for missing the beginning of the presentation as I was in the Chamber, but I have both hard copies and I have gone through them. I will ask my questions consecutively because of the time saving, and because everybody has been here for quite a long time.

Earlier today I met with Age Action. We are very concerned about the effect of the current inflation cycle on older people. People on fixed incomes are extremely vulnerable. Will the Government commit to introducing a cap on energy prices or a windfall tax and using the proceeds to increase the eligibility for fuel allowance and to fund energy upgrades specifically for older people? The previous speaker, who is sitting beside me, Deputy Canney, asked about the fuel allowance but I did not hear the response. I would welcome some clarity on the issue.

The Tánaiste said today that there are a number of items in the taxation commission report, which are straight out of the Sinn Féin manifesto, and they will not happen under this Government. Which elements do the Ministers have an issue with and do they intend to ignore this independent report because Sinn Féin agrees with certain points? I ask this question very respectfully. I merely want to get clarity if that is okay.