Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I very much welcome the fact that steps will be taken in respect of the crisis with the rising cost of living. We have raised this many times. It is almost a year since I brought forward a motion on household utility debt.

Just before the most recent budget, I proposed a discretionary fund because while I welcome the €100, we need to consider a targeted measure for households that will struggle. Last October, we brought forward proposals on the cost of living and I ask the Tánaiste to look at that. Those proposals were brought on the back of a survey. I call on the Tánaiste to look at a discretionary fund, particularly for the cost of energy. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has been putting that proposal forward for quite some time. It spends millions each year assisting families. I would like to see that implemented, if possible.

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