This week the Government made a welcome announcement about back-to-school footwear and clothing and, indeed, school transport. However, there is an ever-expanding cohort of people who are the new working poor. They pay for everything and get nothing. They might be rich on paper, meaning that above all they do not qualify for a medical card or anything else, but with the crippling rise in prices and inflation they are completely devastated. They get no supports. Their children have to go to school, be educated and be clothed. It is a major cohort that is growing very uneasy and they are very concerned. They seem to be forgotten by everybody in this House. The Tánaiste said he supports the people who get up early in the morning and work. However, he does not support these people, nor does the Government. They are screwed for everything and get nothing.

I thank the Deputy for acknowledging what is a very significant increase in the back-to-school allowance and the free school bus service for the year, which is hugely welcomed across the country.

I agree with the second point made by the Deputy. As I stated, there is only a certain cohort who will be able to avail of it, particularly in the context of the back-to-school allowance. It had to be done quickly. It could not wait until the budget because children go back to school in August. It had to be done straight away. As stated earlier, we will have to take further measures that go beyond social welfare recipients, such as the working family payment and the qualified child allowance. Consideration could be given to a variety of targeted measures. There are families across the country who are on a good wage but in difficult circumstances, so we have to ensure the protection measures we put in place are as broad as possible.