Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

They were all working away to make sure that people had the money they needed. I just want to acknowledge that. As I said, through it all, and with the help of this can-do culture of the team, we have stayed the course.

I have learned at this stage, of course, that no matter what we do, it is not going to please everybody and there will always be calls to do more. I accept that but we cannot do everything. What we can do is give a helping hand to those who need it the most. When you look at this budget in its totality - the cost-of-living payments, the weekly increases and the targeted measures - I believe this is a package that delivers for our older people, carers, people with disabilities and young working families.

The budget measures will make life a bit easier for these groups. I commend the Bill to the House and look forward to hearing the contributions of Deputies.

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