Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yes, and I am replying to the Minister. How dare he say I am mean and nasty. How dare he. I am representing the people. A survey of 4,100 members of the MEAI discovered that 11.6% could not pay their utility bills, 9.7% had to sell essential equipment, 7% have lost or are in danger of losing their vehicles, which they have to manage because the same vehicle might be used for the family to go to the beach, go to school or pick up the children, and 3.4% are in danger of losing their homes. Is that mean and nasty because it does not sit well with the Minister? A total of 17.4% are dealing with mental health worries as a result of financial stress. Is that mean and nasty? A total of 2.4% have considered attempting self harm. It is shocking.

I am not being personal with the Minister. I am being direct with the Government. There is much about this situation I do not like. We also have the taxis, which Deputy Boyd Barrett mentioned. We also have the man in the van and whether they are in vans, lorries or trucks, there are self-employed people out there who cannot get a penny. We also have those aged over 66. I represent them here and I will keep representing them. They have received nothing after all they have done for the country. They are still rearing their families and grandchildren. Many are working in the pubs that have been misled, blackguarded and denied. Anyone aged over 66 has been denied a shilling. They were put out of business by the Government but I am being mean and nasty because I have the audacity to represent them.

The Taoiseach asked me last week what planet I was on. I am on planet Tipperary and planet earth, thank God, and I plan to look after these people. That is all I am doing. I second Deputy Doherty's suggestion that we should have a forum tomorrow or the next day, although the Dáil will not sit that day. If we have to sit Friday or Monday we cannot go for a six-week break and leave these people given 2.4% of them have attempted self-harm. Are we going to allow them to be crushed? They have families. They have wives, families and children. They are trying to cling onto what they do best, which is to give solace through what they do. They are givers and they naturally give enjoyment, solace and support to us in difficult times, as other Deputies have said. I am not being nasty or mean and I do not accept that from the Minister.

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