Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thought the Minister said he would have to come before the House again. I appreciate he has already sought an extra €2 billion. I thought the Minister said he would have to return to the House to seek approval for the budget and that he would fight as part of the Government to find the money to deal with this cohort of people over 70. They have paid their service to the State, with many working for 50 years, paying stamps, PRSI, etc. We thought they got a bit of breathing space in the budget with the change in criteria. The Minister might correct me if I am wrong but I understood from his comments that he does not know if he can do this and it will depend on financial circumstances and his lobbying of the Government. I would be very disappointed if that is the case.

Please rein in some of the spending that goes on every day. The money being thrown at every institution in my county and around the country is mind-boggling. Is there any accountability? Is there any need for such excess, unless we get a massive second wave? I am not saying the need was not there in the initial panic. We supported that spending but it needs to be stopped. Stall the horses now and pull the reins. Stop the mindless spending. It is crazy and there is no accountability. The Minister might clarify if I understood him correctly.

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