Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am glad that the Cathaoirleach has clarified the matter.

The Government faces huge challenges in healthcare and housing in Ireland. We must deliver housing and homes for people. In fairness, arrangements have been mentioned in the budget.

We must demystify financial figures and I commend the Government on producing an excellent publication called The Budget in Brief - A Citizen's Guide to Budget 2022. I call for more of such publications. We must engage with citizens about what the budget means to them and the publication sets out the key measures. I am not going to comment on the measures as we all know them but it is important to deliver on them. The publication should be circulated widely, at least online. A lot of money has been spent on advertising in the national press about a Government of Ireland initiative. The budget is such an initiative and should be explained using simple infographics as used in this publication. I ask the Minister of State to convey my suggestion to the Departments. The social welfare changes in the budget have been listed point by point, which I commend. I and other Members have received ten copies of this important document.

Finally, I genuinely wish the Government well with its national development plan, the plans for agriculture and plans regarding the Housing for All policy. I accept that these are early days in the life of this Government, that we must address the financial situation, that we have just come out of Covid, that we have had to deal with Brexit and will continue to face the many challenges brought about by Brexit. I wish the Government well but it is important the Opposition calls out failures and shines a spotlight on challenges from time to time.