Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)

Indeed. In relation to the matters that Deputy Doherty has just raised, we are well aware of the challenge that the cost of living is posing for so many. I would make the point that for every budget I have brought into this House, he has always criticised me for not spending enough. He has always criticised us for running budget surpluses. If we had taken his approach in recent years, we would not have had the ability to intervene and help as we did in the last two years, let alone the ability to help again. The Government, for example, will be able to make a decision in relation to the VAT on gas and electricity which will play a role in maintaining the support that is available. That is a decision that will be considered in the context of the budget. We know that it is demanding for so many at the moment and what we want to do is bring forward measures that are targeted and that we are confident we can sustain in the time ahead.

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