Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Social Protection Willie O’Dea says it is imperative that Minister Leo Varadkar delivers for those most in need in the upcoming budget.

Deputy O’Dea said, “The social protection commitments made by Minister Varadkar at MacGill Summer School are welcome. However it’s important that we do not get side tracked, it’s vital that Minister Varadkar actually delivers for those most in need in the upcoming budget.

“Fianna Fáil has long called for new mechanisms to be put in place to safeguard people’s living standards into the future. The Government now appears to be examining such proposals. However we should not forget that many people are still suffering the effects of the previous five regressive budgets. These people have felt no benefit from the economic recovery. The upcoming budget offers an opportunity to address this.

“Fianna Fáil will consider all proposals on their merit, but we are clear that we will not support any policies which are regressive or punitive. The upcoming budget must be used to start the process of embedding fairness, equality and progressivity into the social protection system once again. These principles were largely absent over the last five years.

“Those who had the least gave the most under the last Fine Gael / Labour Government. This cannot be allowed to continue. It’s crucial that Minister Varadkar’s recent commitments are followed through by real action on budget day.”