Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all colleagues for their contributions to the debate and I will respond in the same vein. In reply to Deputy McDonald, I do not know whose contribution she was listening to this morning but she was not listening to mine. I made it very clear that I am acutely aware of the strain this is causing people because I meet them so regularly. I am acutely aware of their difficulties. When I was outlining the Government's actions I did so in the framework that while progress has been made in some areas we are deeply conscious of the magnitude of the crisis and how much remains to be done. We have put in place a framework to respond to this crisis that is showing some important signs of progress but we are conscious of the strain on people. I agree with Deputy Mathews that the consequences for families-----

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