Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support the motion. We are trying to flag key issues that need to be addressed while taking into consideration the global issues we have seen, particularly in the last three years when we have seen a pandemic that has affected the world. In Ireland we put nearly €50 billion into the economy to keep it going over that period. That gives an indication of what support the Government put in place to support our society. We have seen a massive war that we thought we would never again see in Europe. That has had a significant impact on commodity prices. We have put forward this motion to try to deal with the cost-of-living issues that have arisen because of those core issues and the inflation that is taking place at the moment. Curbing inflation is an important issue for Fine Gael and the Government. We need to come up with logical and fair proposals that are going to benefit society. The motion goes an awful long way to help with that. I am disappointed by the political games being played here tonight, which are just appalling. This is about putting forward a platform of help and support for the people of our country so they can move forward. There are key issues. Fuel has been mentioned, the price of which is nearly out of our control. We need to look at those core issues and put a plan in place to deal with the fuel crisis at the pump and the fuel crisis that the agriculture sector is experiencing at the moment. It is under exceptional pressure.

Childcare is a massive issue for us a society and as a Government. It is important that we put a strategic plan in place to help all our society when it comes to childcare. I am the father of four kids and we know exactly the issues pertaining. We have four children in primary school at the moment and it is a significant burden and cost we are bearing. We know have to work through with the help of family and other supports. The motion is about bringing support and help to the people and putting a platform in place such that when it comes to budget time, the measures will help our people to move forward in that struggle. That is why the motion is so important and I support it.