Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Last year, the Government responded to the cost-of-living crisis by announcing universal and targeted measures. Now that the economy and our public finances are in good order, the Ministers for Finance and Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform will meet party leaders, along with the Minister for Social Protection, to consider what measures will be announced for the spring period. A huge number of working families are still feeling the brunt of the cost-of-living crisis. I urge the Taoiseach to retain the universal measures and supports the Government put in place, whether these are the energy credits, excise on fuels, childcare, tax credits and so on. The Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Humphreys, announced a very generous welfare package. I urge the Taoiseach to keep the universal measures in place.

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