I thank the Ceann Comhairle.
Sentiment score: 0.36
Over the past number of weeks, fear and uncertainty have been caused by the war in the Middle East.
Sentiment score: -0.85
I understand why people are worried and the pressures they are facing.
Sentiment score: -0.54
The hugely volatile situation is ever evolving and has meant there is a lack of certainty for people that is causing worry and distress. This Government has been working hard to ensure that supports are put in place to ease that burden on people. As soon as the conflict in Iran began, we stepped up the engagement with stakeholders across all sectors. Engagement is key to developing any support and hearing from the official representatives of stakeholders and organisations, so we can put supports in place that are driven by evidence and that help where they are needed most. We announced an initial package in March that totalled €250 million. As Independents in government, we have constructively been involved in the process from the beginning. Within my own Department, the Minister, Deputy Darragh O’Brien, and I have been engaging with all stakeholders in the logistics and supply chain areas, which are impacted severely by this fuel crisis. We have been doing this regularly since the war began. We made it clear at the time that what we initially announced would be under constant review and we would step up with additional support if and when it was needed.
Sentiment score: 0.02
Engagement and dialogue continue with stakeholders and representative groups to ensure that any additional measures that need to be put in place would benefit these key sectors within the economy, such as transport, logistics, school transport operators and more.
Sentiment score: 0.82
Within agriculture, the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Healy Rae, and the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Grealish, along with their colleagues, the Minister, Deputy Martin Heydon, and the Minister of State, Deputy Timmy Dooley, have been engaging with various farming organisations to see where this help is most needed.
Sentiment score: 0.67
A further package of measures was confirmed on Sunday night following engagement across key sectors. This has been outlined already.
Sentiment score: 0.23
There will be an extensive reduction in excise duties until 31 July; a further reduction of 10 cent in the price of diesel, bringing the total reduction to 32 cent per litre; a further reduction of 10 cent in the price of petrol, bringing the total reduction to 27 cent per litre; and a reduction of 2.4 cent in marked gas oil, green diesel. A comprehensive new €100 million fuel subsidy scheme to assist farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers across unprecedented increases in fuel has also been confirmed. The transport support scheme we have put in place amounts to €120 million. It is important to say that these combined packages have brought the total support to €775 million, the largest package in the EU per capita. As Independents, we entered government to effect change. We made the decision to enter government so that we could be central in making key decisions to help our economy and citizens.
Sentiment score: 0.27
The war in Iran is affecting every single citizen in this country. The State cannot handle every element of this pressure, but we have worked collectively and in partnership with other Government parties to introduce key supports to ease the burden. Over the past week, we have seen some members of the Opposition actively encourage obstruction, which is not acceptable. Key infrastructure was placed under threat. This does not help anybody. We need to work together in these unprecedented times. I ask the Opposition to reflect on what it is trying to do today. If the Opposition succeeds in its aim to-----
Sentiment score: 0.04
-----put this Government out of business, that €775 million of support will not be in place for the people of Ireland-----
Sentiment score: 0.40
-----and the issues will become immensely more difficult for everybody.
Sentiment score: -0.42
It is time to show leadership-----
Sentiment score: 0.00
-----and that we have the courage to put the measures in place.
Sentiment score: 0.49
Yes.
Sentiment score: 0.40