Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

I appreciate the Deputy's questions. We are under no illusions about the impact of the cost of living on families and people. The reality is there was an excessive inflationary spiral coming out of Covid and as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the consequential increase in energy prices. That did impact and that is why there were exceptional once-off cost-of-living packages in addition to budgetary measures in recent years. We are probably the only European Union country that was in a position to do the level of once-off cost-of-living packages we did because of successful management of the economy in recent years.

I take serious issue with the Deputy's assertion there has been a failure to invest in public services. Let us take education alone. This September, for the first time ever, we will provide free books for every child at primary and second levels. That is not once-off; that is mainstream in the budget. It is provided for now in the base budget for education. St. Vincent de Paul and others have said that has had a significant impact, particularly for families on low incomes. In addition, the hot school meals programme is now in virtually all schools. Again, it is a structural change provided for in the base budget. We have a summer meals scheme for children as well. I could add more. There is free public transport for children aged between five and eight years.

The public sector pay deal was negotiated. We introduced tax measures last year and a range of other measures. We extended the 9% VAT rate on gas and electricity. That measure will save money for hard-pressed families. In June the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, announced a 40% reduction in the renewable electricity PSO levy for 2025-2026.

From 1 June, women can receive hormone replacement therapy, HRT, free of charge. From the beginning of June, the carer's support grant increased to €2,000. That is the highest level ever and this has benefited approximately 138,000 carers. Last week, the income level disregard for the carer's allowance was increased, meaning more people qualify for the allowance and more than 5,000 carers will receive an increase in their payment. The back to school clothing and footwear allowance will be paid over the summer months. Childcare costs have reduced this year and for September, and fee caps will be in place. Some 96% of children aged between three and five are now in the early years programme. That demonstrates significant investment in childcare over the past number of years.

There is not credibility attached to the Deputy's assertion that there has not been investment in public services. There has been very significant investment in public services.

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