When this Government was formed just over 18 months ago, no one could have predicted the scale of the crisis unfolding in the Middle East, the disruption it would place on global energy markets and its impact on the cost of living in Ireland and across the world. In these times, the value of a capable and stable Government became clear. This coalition must continue to provide certainty for households, protect our living standards and keep our economy on track. Fuel supports introduced to shield families and workers…

The Minister, Deputy Jack Chambers, requires the full support-----

-----of the Government to implement measures to-----

-----reduce wasteful expenditure-----

There is another group of people who cannot be overlooked, namely the self-employed. These people take risks, create employment and contribute significantly to the economy. The self-employed are at a disadvantage in accessing State supports and social protection. They do not have access to the new My Future Fund pension arrangements available to all employees. The Government should start setting out a clear pathway towards inclusion for the self-employed or an equivalent mechanism that will give them the same oppor…

I am not going to shout but I would like to be heard. This has been a very difficult week for the country and its citizens. People are suffering and under enormous financial pressure due to the cost-of-living increases in the price of fuel due to the war in Iran. It has to be acknowledged that all of us across Government failed to respond effectively in a timely fashion and failed to listen and understand the extent of people’s worry and frustration. We all have encountered anger, resentment and outright hostility,…

-----destructive political imposters we have ever witnessed.

Let me repeat. Sinn Féin is the most hollow, cynical-----

-----and destructive political imposters I or this State have ever witnessed.

While the Government works for the Irish people, Sinn Féin uses their hardship as a political weapon.

It seized on this moment because it has nothing else to offer other than contrived outrage.

They are performers on stage. Time and again, they have proved they have no ability to govern, no ideas and no credibility.

In a moment of global instability-----

In a moment of global instability, when we need responsibility, unity and a collective effort, Sinn Féin has chosen division, disruption and political opportunism. To bring down a Government at a time like this would have far-reaching consequences for the Irish people. Legislation would stall, vital supports would be delayed and the certainty families, workers and businesses desperately need would be thrown into limbo. Disruption has been Sinn Féin’s modus operandi from the very beginning of this Government. From t…

They were directed to target, pile on and to encourage others to mount verbal assaults. Is this what is taught in Sinn Féin? This is no way to act in a democracy.

Again this week I have seen Deputy Tóibín, for whom I have huge respect, drop the mask of pious virtue and show his true colours. He egged on frustrated people to harass and intimidate and posted the names and numbers of representatives in our Independent group. This form of intimidation is not acceptable in a democratic society.

This is a time when Ireland needs-----

This kind of toxic politics is doing real damage.

It is discouraging thoughtful, talented young people from stepping forward to serve their communities. The Opposition is poisoning the well of potential candidates. This is a time when Ireland needs the best and brightest to help shape our future.

Let me say today, as an elected representative-----