Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I provided the across-the-board increases and, in addition, targeted measures to support the most vulnerable, based on recommendations by the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice. The budget increased the fuel allowance, the living alone allowance and the qualified child payment. Of course, we are considering this issue as a Government. Despite what some people say, we are not removed from reality. We see what is happening on the ground and we know the cost of living has gone up. I know people are struggling to meet some of these costs. I have asked my officials to look at what we can do. The Taoiseach and the Tánaiste are also committed to taking action on this issue. We, as a Government, are committed to looking at what can be done. It does require a whole-of-government approach. Inflation is not just impacting on people on social welfare; it is also impacting on people who are working. This is across the board, so it has to be a whole-of-government approach.

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