Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The economy is reopening and, as the Deputy knows, we hope the remaining businesses can open on 10 August. We are following public health advice so I cannot give the Deputy a timeline on when anything will open. It is all based on public health advice, which must be followed and which has served us well. We will base our decisions on that advice.

11 o’clock

EUROSTAT has recognised that the Irish tax and welfare system is the most effective in the EU at reducing poverty. As Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural Development and the Islands, my focus is on ensuring that no person or community is left behind, regardless of where they are from. I will certainly work towards that. I look forward to working with the Deputy in achieving those goals because I am sure he is of the same opinion.

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