Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are coming from a dark place as we emerge from the impact of Covid-19. I acknowledge the work of the Minister and her officials in County Clare and throughout the country in respect of what the Department has done to support our most vulnerable people. Little did we think we would have a war break out on the Continent, and an illegal war at that. God knows when it will finish. The Government needs to respond to this situation. I believe strongly that the Minister has shown great leadership. She made a strong plea for her Department In budget negotiations. She put us in a position whereby we could give unprecedented supports, particularly regarding the targeted measures incorporated in the budget and, indeed, in this Bill. I support her in this regard.

These are difficult times. If we had more money available, we could have given more, especially for the weekly payments, but these are set to increase in the new year. This is welcome. I note as well, however, that the Opposition parties did not have any targeted measures included in their budget submissions. The Government has led the way on this issue, just as it did during Covid-19. The Minister has been solid on this and I compliment her. I look forward to the Bill passing with my full support.

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