Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)

We have had six months of this do-nothing Government. Now, the Dáil is about to rise. As it rises, the Government will leave people with stress and uncertainty. People will face big rent hikes next year, thanks to the Government. Students and their families face a big hike in college fees, thanks to the Government. Also thanks to the Government, tens of thousands of families will be left without cost-of-living supports and will wonder how on earth they will make it through the winter. Ní féidir leis an Rialtas teaghlaigh atá ag streachailt le harduithe praghais as smacht a thréigeadh. Caithfidh sé pacáiste costas maireachtála a thabhairt chun tosaigh sa bhuiséad. Households are under enormous pressure and are unable to keep up with soaring prices. The Government simply cannot abandon workers and families like this. I put it to the Taoiseach that the Government must include a cost-of-living package in October's budget.

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