Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I support Deputy Bríd Smith on that intervention.

I welcome the news that the Government is not opposing the Opposition motion on the cost of living tabled by Sinn Féin this evening. The Taoiseach indicated that the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, will meet with the retail forum this week. Can the Taoiseach commit to giving Government time next week to debate this really pressing issue of rising food prices, sustained increases in energy bills and this cost-of-living crisis that is impacting on so many households? My colleague, Deputy Nash, has been raising consistently for some time now the need for more significant Government intervention. It would be good to hear from the Government next week as to the outcome of the engagements the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, is having this week and for the Taoiseach to give Government time to debate this issue.

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