Rory Hearne

Overall sentiment: -0.02
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I support the motion. I highlight the issue of the cost-of-living crisis that is affecting a great many people across this country. In my own constituency, in areas of severe disadvantage like Ballymun and Finglas, people are literally living hand to mouth. Last week, we heard people with disabilities say that they are choosing between eating and heating. That is not just a phrase and it does not just affect those with disabilities. It is particularly affecting vulnerable groups, including elderly people. Families are also really struggling. The proposal to add additional costs to blister packs shows a disconnect between this Government and the reality of people's lives. Older people, many of them living with families, are really struggling. Any additional cost could be the one that prevents them from affording food, paying rent or covering basic costs. It is an illogical move because it actually worsens health outcomes. I know the Minister knows this. She knows that the costs of living people face may mean they cannot cover health costs or the cost of heating their homes and that this worsens their health outcomes. Elderly people are living in cold and in fear. They cannot pay anything that would cost another cent. I want to raise the wider issue of the cost of healthcare, in particular for families and children. There was a promise in 2019 by Fine Gael and the Minister, Deputy Harris, to introduce the free GP care up to age 12 by 2022. We will be in 2026 in a few weeks' time and still that commitment to free GP care for children up to age 12 has not been delivered. When will the Minister deliver that commitment that was made over seven years ago?

Sentiment score: -0.02