Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise an issue facing thousands of middle-income workers and families. This cohort, the so-called squeezed middle, earn too much to qualify for many State supports and pay a larger proportion of their income at the higher tax band. The Government needs to focus on targeted measures to cut rising costs and increase supports for the so-called squeezed middle. It is crucial that we now recognise the change in costs facing families across Ireland, whether in energy bills, in the supermarket trolley or at the pumps. I ask the Tánaiste to ensure the next budget package will specifically consider the squeezed middle families and the challenges they face. It should include a tax and welfare package and universal supports such as subsidies for childcare and public transport and lower college fees, to ensure no family has to choose between vital services and to lessen the burden on the squeezed middle due to rising costs.

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