64. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if reported plans (details supplied) to cease cost-of-living supports and payments in budget 2026 will be benchmarked against a reduction in the cost of living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5420/25]

Sentiment score: 0.13

I was deeply concerned and dismayed by reports in the media that the Government is planning to completely axe cost-of-living supports without any indication being offered about this being tied to evidence of a reduction in the cost of living. I am seeking clarity on the matter. Will any cessation of cost-of-living supports and payments in the next budget, as reported, be benchmarked against a reduction in the cost of living?

Sentiment score: 0.17

I thank the Minister for his answer. While he detailed many different economic terms, I am not hearing about the real day-to-day experience of people whose cost-of-living challenges are forcing them to choose between heat and food, to make very difficult decisions and to live with the stress of these kinds of announcements that come from Government with very little regard for their existence. I would love to hear if there are any benchmarks against standard-of-living indicators or a well-being index. Will equality budgeting be properly enforced in budget 2026 in order that these measures will not just be measured against an economic outlook but also against the cost of living that households experience day to day? The Minister talked about electricity credits. In the wake of Storm Éowyn, it seems clear that the Government has become aware of a likely increase in electricity costs. Will that be mitigated by cost-of-living measures?

Sentiment score: 0.19

The word "progressive" was used, yet the measures such as electricity credits that we saw in the past few years were not targeted. If that is what the Government believes to be a progressive measure, then it needs to look at it again. We welcome better targeted measures. Those electricity credits, while important, should be better targeted to assist those families who most need them. I would also like clarity, before we finish, on the additional range of payments which might be impacted. It seemed clear from the statement that the cost-of-living supports and payments will not be continued. I would also like to ask about additional payments of child benefit, disability allowance, fuel allowance and tax credits for renters. Are they also on the slate for being cut?

Sentiment score: 0.45

No, we support more progressive measures.

Sentiment score: 0.13