Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I concur with the sentiments of both Senators Garvey and Murphy in congratulating the Minister, Deputy Ryan, and the Minister of State, Deputy Smyth, with regard to putting this in place. As has been said, people said this would not happen; it is now happening.It is important to acknowledge the significant funding the Government has put aside over the last 12 to 15 months, from the energy credits for everybody, to the targeted measures - particularly in the Department of Social Protection - on extra fuel allowances. There have been hundreds of millions in taxpayers' money put there for those most at need. Now, going forward, when this is fully in place, we will see the energy companies funding those targeted measures the Government has put in place for those who really need it the most. I congratulate both the Minister of State, Deputy Smyth and the Minister, Deputy Ryan for their work on this, and their officials in the Department.