Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government is finalising a package of measures to respond to the inflationary measures which are putting significant pressure on families and individuals, and have been doing so over the past couple of months. They build on the changes announced in the budget, where there was a tax package and there was a social welfare package. There was a minimum wage increase recommendation accepted, which kicked in last month. We are recognising that people are under pressure out there right across the system. We also recognise that some of these measures, in relation to energy prices, Brexit and Covid, are outside of our control. We expect them to be short term but they are having a significant impact this year. Naturally, the Government is responding with a range of measures to assist individuals and families during this difficult time. The announcement of that will be completed in the next couple of days.

In relation to Deputy Barry's calls on the USC and other charges, I do not recall in the Deputy's budget submission that he wanted to completely abolish that tax but I must look again at it to be sure.

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