Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to address the ban on the sale of essential clothing for children, which has caused a lot of stress and distress for families throughout the State. We are heading into a very cold winter. Children grow and they need new coats and shoes. Parents across the land are frustrated that they have no option but to buy online. That suits some people but it certainly does not suit many others, particularly low-income families. People scratched their heads in amazement when they heard the Minister of State, Deputy English, proclaim that clothes are not essential. They are very much essential and, coming into wintertime, warm clothing is particularly essential for children and babies. A bit of cop on and common sense needs to apply in this matter and also a bit of thoughtfulness for families with young children. What is the Taoiseach going to do about this issue?

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