Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputy for the manner in which he has raised this matter. I am also aware of the issues he refers to and the views of MABS. The issues he raises are really serious for so many citizens in our country.

First, no budget decisions have been made. We are here at the start of July. The budget will happen in October. In between July and October, various other measures I have outlined to the House will be implemented to help with the cost of living.

Second, and generally, this budget will have to move to a more normal budget in terms of scale and measures. Third, what that means is we want to move back to where we have been at other points where measures were in place that could help our country with all the other needs there. However, these measures were permanent, different in scale and were ones we could build upon. I know the cost of living is an issue for so many at the moment, but we are in a place where the really big increase in prices we saw over two years in particular has begun to change and slow down. We have to recognise that in the decisions we make, and we are well aware of the important issues the Deputy has raised.

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