John Clendennen

Well, it shouldn't come as a surprise anyway.

First of all, David, this is part of a programme for government.

It's subject to economic conditions.

If you let me finish, we made it perfectly clear in Budget 1 that we wanted to target certain sectors and the most vulnerable in society.

But there is now a need to help people that are working, working people that see an opportunity to not just get by, but get ahead and put more money back in their pockets and reward work.

And I think that is a reasonable outline to have.

And, you know, you talk about what's happening in the Middle East and the escalation in relation to conflict.

You know, we have...

seen supports.

We've seen three quarters of a billion euro in relation to fuel supports and I think governments have got a proven track record, whether it be the likes of COVID or energy spikes in the past where they have stepped up to the mark and provided support.

So I think it's to try and reassure people at a time of so much uncertainty that there is support there from government.

Okay, and is this definitely going to happen, do you think?

Well, look, I think we have a process that we have to go through in relation to getting to Budget 2027.

We're going to have a summary economic statement.

I think we need to use the time ahead to listen, to listen to people on the ground, to engage with constituents.

No, but let's get this right.

And as I say, there is a commitment there, but let's make sure that it does work and that it is effective.

OK, we'll let John come back there.

David, when I listen to Matt, you know, I really do wonder about Sinn Féin, of any concept or grasp of finances at all.

Like three quarters of a billion euro in the last three to four weeks.