Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In the coming weeks and months we will have an opportunity to create a much fairer society. There are many opportunities as we move out of the pandemic, but in order to achieve that we must make choices because it is about choices. For instance, we must choose a one-tier health system, which will allow equal access for everybody so that access is not determined by the size of one's wallet but by one's medical need.

We must also choose a housing policy that will tackle homelessness and the lack of social and affordable housing. In my constituency of Dublin Bay South the need for housing is at a crisis point. We really need to make the choice to tackle such issues.

We must deliver a childcare system that works for ordinary families and that is affordable for people. We also need to deliver the change the electorate called for and voted for in the recent election. Sinn Féin will advocate for change and for a fairer and more equal society. We will advocate that no one is left behind.

The pension age has been mentioned quite a bit recently and many mixed messages are coming from the Government on it. There are discussions on whether the pension age will be increased to 67. We do not know what will happen in that regard. Between nursing homes and those aged over 66 not being eligible for the Covid payment, older people are being particularly impacted by the pandemic. We have been told the pension age could be increased to 67 but Fianna Fáil does not appear to be sure what its view is on it. It is waiting to see what way the wind is blowing. Could the Minister state clearly that the age will not be increased to 67?

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