Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

In the past week many local authority tenants have received notice of rent increases. This increase is savage, particularly for those in receipt of social welfare. Old-age pensioners have received an increase of approximately €14 per week. Three constituents of mine have received notice of an €11 per week increase in their rent on top of increases in charges for refuse and water services and electricity charges. Where stands the budget promise to bring those on the poverty line out of the poverty trap?