Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We need to consider a number of options. It probably would not be useful for me to speculate on the options now because it might just raise expectations. We will discuss it next week. I agree that the measures need to be targeted. It might be the case that there will still be some universal measures but, generally speaking, they need to be targeted at those who need them the most, those who are struggling the most and those on fixed incomes. I agree with the Deputy on that point. Let us not forget that it is because of the strength of our economy and because the public finances are in a good position that we are able to intervene again to help people with the rising cost of living. In other countries where different economic policies have been pursued, Governments are not able to do that. They have gone back to austerity and people are on strike in many cases. In my view, it is a simple fact that, because we pursued the economic policies that we did and looked after public finances as we have, we were able to help people in the budget that has just gone by and will be able to help people again in the spring.

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