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

The Tánaiste has not answered my question. The Taoiseach said yesterday that there is a need to refocus policies. I agree that it is about delivery, but when are we going to see a refocusing of policies and delivery? If he has set his face against a general election, and if he and the Minister, Deputy Ryan, are determined to keep the ship afloat until this time next year, what are they going to offer people to change things? As one constituent said to me last night, the Taoiseach's decision yesterday was effectively the ultimate vote of no confidence in the Government. What is the Tánaiste going to do to give people confidence in it? How will it change things? Will it end cynical tactics currently in place in this Parliament and instead work with the Opposition to pass constructive legislation such as our Bill on pregnancy loss? Will the Government focus on rebuilding homes? Will it introduce new policies to see delivery of more homes? Will it end no-fault evictions? Will it end hospital emergency department chaos? What the Tánaiste said on health rings hollow for those in the emergency department in Limerick. What will change for people who are now struggling without a home, who cannot pay their rent or mortgage costs, who see overcrowded trolleys in hospital emergency departments and who cannot access childcare or care for their elderly parents? What is the Government offering them and what will change over the next year if there is to be no general election?

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