Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach for clarifying that the funding is a grant rather than a loan. That is really important because what we are going through at the moment is not a stand-alone economic crisis; it is a natural disaster that has become an economic crisis. It is important to make a distinction in that perspective.

I note from the plan that there is a potential opportunity for a second round of European Union funding in 2023, which obviously has to be negotiated. I would urge the Taoiseach to push for a second allocation of €750 million, if possible. Ireland should fight as much as possible for its pro rataentitlement. The more money we can throw at this problem the better. We need to inflate the economy and to reinflate our society and get on with our lives.

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