We very much acknowledge the pressures that people, small businesses and many communities are under at the moment. Families are working hard and doing everything right but continue to experience huge uncertainty and challenge. We hear that and have acted, not just with the package this week and the other package a number of weeks ago, but also in the budget. Some 470,000 people now receive the fuel allowance. For the first time, working families receive the fuel allowance. We have increased that payment by four weeks this year. We have also supported farmers, contractors and transport companies against the worst of the excesses. However, we must also be honest and say that we cannot support them through every challenge that will face them. Interventions are important and necessary but we cannot be false with people and tell them that we can get them through every challenge they face. I not only have confidence in this Government but, more importantly, have confidence in our country and the people of the country. We have faced challenges previously. We have faced a succession of challenges over the past ten years, in particular, which have put enormous pressure on people's incomes and businesses. We will continue to work with them to get through those challenges. Tá muinín agam, ní hamháin as an tír seo, ach as muintir na tíre. Tá sé tábhachtach go seasaimid ar son agus leis na daoine sa tír seo, go háirithe ag an bpointe seo. It is important that we stand with and support people. It is important we hear them but in hearing them, we have to be honest about the challenges that are ahead. This is the biggest energy shock, not just in respect of supply but also in respect of cost, in over 50 years. The conversation must be honest. Yes, it is important that we support and stand with people but we must be honest as well.

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