Dáil debates

Tuesday, 21 June 2022

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions

 

2:25 pm

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

I do not disagree with much of what the Deputy is saying. People are terrified of the winter and we want to make sure we have a comprehensive package that protects people throughout the winter. Throughout and beyond the winter, we want to protect people as best we can. We have to do it while taking on board a range of issues.

Right now, we have to settle our expenditure levels in every Department. Why? Because we need to protect education, health, housing and social protection. Those Departments have measures that are important in terms of cost of living. We have to do this in a proper evidence-based way, rather than just saying here is a billion in July and here is a billion in August. That will not work and will not be optimal or effective for people on the ground.

The ESRI has pointed out that some measures asked for in the House were not ideal or optimal and that we could target more. I am open to suggestions as to the type of measures and so on that Deputies think we should concentrate on. It is important that the budget will set expenditure levels for 12 months, across all Departments. That work is under way but there are pay and tax issues. Then there is the package to alleviate pressures on people as well.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.