Simon Harris

We had the parents stuck in traffic with screaming kids. We had the business owner who could not open because of a lack of stock.

While we might not have heard from these people much, we know too-----

-----that they are feeling the pressure.

These are people who feel the pressure every day. They get up in the morning, they go to work and they try to get on with it.

There are genuine, hard-working people concerned-----

-----who joined the protests too because they are feeling the pinch, decent people who need our help and assistance. They will remain our focus. They will remain our focus every day, including in our resolutions tonight.

That is what fairness looks like. It is what a strong economy can deliver: real outcomes, a good job and security for you and your family.

This Government has acted. It has acted decisively and it is using its economic strength wisely. Together, we will get through this challenge-----

-----but we will not get through it by seeking to sow division and tear our country apart.

You were on holidays.

I move: (1) THAT for the purposes of the tax charged by virtue of section 95 of the Finance Act 1999 (No. 2 of 1999), that Act be amended, with effect as on and from 15 April 2026— (a) by the substitution of the following for Schedule 2 to that Act: "SCHEDULE 2 RATES OF MINERAL OIL TAX ", and (b) by the substitution of the following for Schedule 2A to that Act (as amended by section 27(2)(d…

I did.

I represent farmers.

You are wrong.

That is not fair.

I move: (1) THAT for the purposes of the tax charged by virtue of section 67 of the Finance Act 2010 (No. 5 of 2010), that section be amended, with effect as on and from 15 April 2026, by the substitution of the following for the Table to subsection (1) of that section (as amended by section 28(a) of the Finance Act 2020 (No. 26 of 2020)): "TABLE RATE OF NATURAL GAS CARBON TAX ". (2) IT is he…

I move: (1) THAT for the purposes of the tax charged by virtue of section 78 of the Finance Act 2010 (No. 5 of 2010), that Act be amended, with effect as on and from 15 April 2026, by the substitution of the following for Schedule 1 to that Act (as amended by section 29(b) of the Finance Act 2020 (No. 26 of 2020)): "SCHEDULE 1 RATES OF SOLID FUEL CARBON TAX ". (2) IT is hereby declared that i…

Let us start where we can agree in a rare moment of unity in this House.

Which is working well?

It is kind of bringing us together.

I might lean into that, to start in a moment of harmony. I genuinely join all Members in this House and people right across the country in supporting the Irish national soccer team tonight as they take on Czechia. At a time of real challenge in our country and our world, of turmoil and uncertainty, the Irish team have really lifted our spirits. There is a real sense of belief, from the youngest to…

There are real challenges and we may well need to intervene again, but the package we put in place was the right package for the right moment and we will remain nimble and agile on any further interventions that are needed.

I hope that when the Deputy meets somebody at risk of fuel poverty and brings their case into the Dáil, as well as just reading them out in here, he helps them get the financial assistance our system provides in terms of the fuel allowance. I would like to see the data, and please send it to me, showing that the majority of people in the country at risk of fuel poverty do not receive any assistanc…

He does not need your help.

The fuel allowance is paid to almost 500,000 households. There are people-----