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

The easing of restrictions and the reopening of society open up an opportunity to reset the economy and to rebuild in a way that represents a necessary departure from Government policy thus far on the Taoiseach's watch and from the approach of previous Governments. This will, by definition, mean a more active State with more intervention and less sitting on the sidelines. I raised the area of housing with the Taoiseach earlier, which is essential, including the rental sector, and also the affordability of accommodation. In other words, we need to move away from a world in which co-living is advanced as the new normal into a space where appropriate, sustainable, safe and secure accommodation is provided and regarded as a right rather than a luxury. I mention the area of working life, the gig economy, insecure employment and low pay. All of these things have to be tackled and they have a particular resonance for younger people and workers. I mention the areas of childcare, early education, the rights of children and their economic entitlements and recognition and supports for parents. I ask that there will be some form of recognition, namely a bonus for front-line workers who have seen us through the hardest and worst of times. That needs to be advanced. I would like to hear the Taoiseach's thinking on what that might look like.

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