Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I think it is about a blend of measures. As I stated earlier, it is not solely down to pay to address cost-of-living pressures that undoubtedly exist. The Government has other levers. We have used some of them to date in the exceptional measures that have been introduced outside of the normal budgetary calendar. It is open to the Government to use some of those in the context of the budget as well. The cost of living can be addressed in a number of ways. Pay is one and obviously social welfare measures, and other targeted measures such as reductions in costs people face in accessing public services. The reduction in public transport fares was a very progressive and important move in that regard, in addition to taxation measures as well.

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