Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I do not recognise it as a positive, because people are struggling right now. The Minister of State said he is taking a measured approach, but a 30 cent increase in the minimum wage was recommended by the Low Pay Commission. I am not sure if the Minister of State has any grasp on the reality of how bad the cost of living crisis is. There are increases virtually every week in the cost of electricity, fuel and food. Everything is going up in price. A month ago the Minister, Deputy McGrath, agreed to reflect on the proposals of trade unions for an inflation response in public sector pay. Has the Minister of State or the Tánaiste met the Minister to discuss the actions they think should result from these reflection? I am not sure public servants who are struggling to heat their homes and pay their bills want debate and reflection. They want action.

I spoke on radio earlier today about the housing crisis. There is not one property in Cork city or county available within the HAP threshold. We are talking about a living wage. People cannot afford to rent properties and cannot pay their bills. They are waiting on the Government to take action, but it is not delivering.

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