Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy's initial comment that those who are hit hardest by inflation are those on the lowest incomes, namely, people on social welfare and pensioners. They do not have much discretionary spend. They are rarely able to save money and they know where every euro goes. They will be most effected by the rising cost of living. The Deputy and I worked together some years ago in a previous Government to make sure there was a welfare package and that it was for everyone, not just pensioners. The Government will put together a welfare package for the next budget. I cannot say at this stage exactly who it will apply to or what the increases in rates will be. That has to be worked out between now and budget day but we all appreciate that we are in a different context from the last two years. Owing to inflation and the rising cost of living, there will need to be increases for people so that they do not fall backwards.

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