Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I commend the European Union on its overall social and financial support for Ukraine. The protection it offered to millions of refugees fleeing the war has made headlines all over the world. Ireland has been very supportive of the refugees. We have opened our doors to them and, if anything can be done in this country, we always wear our heart on our sleeve and we help everyone we can help. However, how will Europe look on the Government for not protecting the people or their economy? Will it ask questions about why Ireland did not avail of Europe's toolbox and ignored its recommendations on reducing VAT below 5%? Ireland is 100% reliant on oil and gas with no alternatives. The Government has single-handedly put Ireland at risk and has ignored concessions and recommendations from Europe. They are the facts.

Our first job in this country is to help and protect the people we asked to elect us to come to the House to protect each individual county. That is what we are here to do. We are the best in the world at helping everyone else but our Government has now shown it is the worst in the world for protecting our own. Those are the facts and it is sad to see.

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