Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)

In the spirit of Deputy Doherty having raised an important issue on a point of order, I will respond to what he has said and will then take time to respond to his additional question.

I agree with him that what is happening with regard to the flotilla is a very serious matter. The Taoiseach and Tánaiste are currently in New York, concluding their work at the United Nations annual assembly. They have raised that matter within the European Union and with other Heads of Government. I have been informed that the Tánaiste has raised this specific matter with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President Kallas, given the urgency of what is now taking place. We are well aware of the safety risk that is posed to all in the flotilla. I understand there are a number of Oireachtas Members involved in this as well. They deserve the protection of international law and they deserve safety.

I have not seen the wording of the motion, or maybe Deputy Doherty is still developing it at the moment. Therefore, I am not in a position to be able to give a commitment to him now. However, I am in a position to assure the Deputy that when he makes the point that this is a serious issue, we agree, and the Government is treating it as such. All deserve the respect of international law. There are citizens from many countries, including some public representatives, who are trying to play their part in offering direct support to the people of Gaza. That deserves to be recognised in the protection that they get. I am sure Deputy Doherty will engage with the Ceann Comhairle on the motion and I know the Government will too.

In relation to the substantive issue that Deputy Doherty raised on the cost of living, let me open by acknowledging the challenge that it is for many, and I absolutely accept that. For households and businesses, we have seen changes happen over the last number of years with the cost of living. We are seeing indications that the rate of price increases has considerably slowed down. However, that is not across our entire economy and we see some parts of the economy where the rate of price increase continues to be considerable. I also know that the point that the rate of price increase is slowing down can be of cold comfort to those who have seen prices go up by so much over the last number of years.

I know Deputy Doherty has already dismissed what I am about to do as reading out a list, but it is important to emphasise the degree of support that is already available. These measures were brought forward in anticipation of the cost of living continuing to be a challenge across this year. It is these kinds of measures that the Government will aim to build upon when the Minister, Deputy Chambers, and I present budget 2026 on Tuesday week.

If we look at the measures that are being implemented across this year alone, we see the back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance, a measure that has given needed support to 221,000 children. Very recently, we saw the free schoolbook initiative being rolled out to every child in primary and secondary school. We see all the efforts that are made every year to reduce school transport fees. We see the progress that has been made in recent years with the availability of free GP care, which is now available for all children up to and including the age of eight.

We have seen the work that has happened with the reduction in the electricity PSO levy. We have seen the significant expansion of the fuel allowance and carer's allowance. In June this year, 138,000 carers benefited, deservedly, from the carer's support grant. This is in addition to other measures that have been built on year by year like free public transport for children and the work that has happened in relation to childcare costs. The public sector pay deal which was implemented again on 1 August mirrors the wage growth that we are seeing across our economy and is playing a role in assisting with the cost of living at a time when prices are going up.

On the particular issue that Deputy Doherty raised in relation to the cost of energy, the Government is very much aware of that. Much, though not all of it, is driven by where we are located and by the mix of energy that is used within our economy and country. We are aware of the impact this is having on our society and our competitiveness. The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, is completing work in this area looking at the structural changes that we may be able to introduce over time that can play a role.

In the answer that I have offered to the House today I have outlined the measures that are currently being implemented and rolled out that aim to make a difference for those for whom the cost of living is such a challenge. This is what is happening. What myself and my colleagues in government are working on now is determining the further measures we can bring forward that will be affordable and sustainable and will make a difference. A previous Sinn Féin policy in relation to this was the introduction of an energy price cap. Deputy Doherty might use this as an opportunity to explain whether that is still Sinn Féin policy.

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