Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have asked the Taoiseach to set out what this comprehensive approach will amount to. It has to be all about bringing costs down. I ask again whether it will include measures to give relief to renters and if it will cut childcare costs. What other measures does the Government have in mind? We all agree that costs must come down. I also asked the Taoiseach to act with urgency. The Taoiseach should bear in mind that both finance Ministers in the Government have previously said they are not minded to do anything until October. Sitting this out until October is not a viable option because people are under pressure now. I reminded the Taoiseach that on Friday, we will see the end of the fuel allowance, which gives an indication of just how urgent these matters are. What is the Government's comprehensive set of measures? Is it a mini-budget? When will we see it? I put it to the Taoiseach that at a time when people have to choose between eating and heating their homes, he could not rationalise, much less justify, an increase in carbon tax.

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