Colm Brophy

and it would not be found wanting and doing it.

So we were very clear when we introduced our initial proposal that this would not be the end of the response.

You're dealing with a situation, we have to acknowledge this, we're dealing with a very volatile situation in terms of world oil prices being affected

by a war that is taking place.

Prices are fluctuating, going up and down.

And government made it very clear that based on what was happening, we would continue to respond.

And that's why we did continue to respond.

Really important to remember that even before the first set of protests, and by the way, just to put on record,

I've no problem with people protesting.

I think protesting is part of democracy.

It's an integral part of democracy, as is, by the way, recognising the result of elections and recognising that the government is in power because the people of Ireland elected this government to be in power.

It is also very important to recognise that we were engaging, we were talking to people, we were looking to see how we could put together another package and that work was ongoing even before the protests started.

I'm saying that the primary influence of what happened in that package was what happened in the world in terms of oil prices.

We absolutely recognise and are listening to people all the time.

There is a major problem in terms of the cost of fuel and government has recognised that.

That is why you have a three quarters of a billion package that is actually directly there addressing the main concerns around people who are heavy diesel users.

but also a cut right across on the rates.

So is that everybody, because we also have to be cognizant of the fact that people are finding it difficult who are driving to work in their car, not just contractors who are driving in the tractor.

And we have done that.

And I think that's very important actually to recognise that.