Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There is no point in tackling this with one measure alone. Pay policy is important. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has invited social partners to discuss extending the existing national pay agreement. It should be possible for us, as a society, to work through the different strands of income policy, pay, tax and welfare. The question is whether we can get agreement on prioritising those most in need and having a response that does not endanger the progress we are making in the economy and that does not have us just chasing inflation. We have already spent close to €2 billion since October in endeavouring to alleviate the pressure on people.

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