Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have had a very fruitful and frank discussion. I welcome the Minister's commitment and that of the Government in respect of the motion. Many things have been outlined, including in respect of the cost of childcare and of fuel. It is the squeezed middle, as well as lower paid workers, that is affected. That is the kernel of the debate. There has been overwhelming support for the motion and Members have made positive contributions. It was put forward in good faith to try to help families that are really feeling the pinch. There has been much bashing from our colleagues on the left. I am sure that sense will prevail and that they will see that the motion is trying to deliver for the most vulnerable in society. This is a genuine motion from the heart by all the Fine Gael Senators here tonight. That is why we put it forward.

As the Minister stated, now is the time to have a discussion. It is incumbent on all Departments to come together to see what they can do to deliver for these families. Many have referred to the Minister's Department and everything it has done to provide payments and the supports that were put in place for families especially during the pandemic. Nobody foresaw that the war would cause all this pain. It is not something that will disappear overnight. There has to be a more structured solution. The Minister said that. We need to look at short-, medium-, and long-term responses and at key measures that will alleviate the pain of families on lower and middle incomes. Every family and citizen deserves a degree of certainty. The Government has done a lot. Many things that need to happen have been highlighted.

The motion has, more or less, majority support. It is appreciated that the Government is willing to take it on board. I look forward, as we all do, to working with the different Departments and making meaningful contributions or suggestions as to where we see these cuts and supports happening in the context of families.