I also want to express my condolences to the family of the late Brian O'Shea, former Minister of State, TD and Senator, and particularly to his wife, Eileen, and his six children, Christine, Anne, Paddy, Siobhán, John and Mary. I am certain they are very proud of Brian's service to this State. He was a loyal member of the Labour Party for many years and contributed hugely to the country and to Waterford. He was a long-standing trade unionist. I offer my condolences to his family.

I will raise two issues on the Order of Business. First, I will raise the issue of the Cork light rail system.

The preferred route is being launched again this Friday. We are eager to see this. There will be an extended period of public consultation. It was really worrying to see reports in the papers recently that a number of homes, businesses and sports clubs in Cork, particularly in the Bishopstown area, may be impacted by the route. There was no consultation done with these individuals. There needs to be proper consultation when we are talking about public transport.

I raise the issue of the fuel protests. We have a debate on it later. I raise a concern around budgets in this country, including budgetary planning for different for groups. We have seen now as a result of this protest, and rightly so, there has been a package offered in relation to this. Why was this not done sooner? We also saw SNAs and schools having to protest recently as they sought vital funds which had been allocated for. Again, why are people having to take on the State in terms of protest? That is a real concern for me. It needs to be a consideration for the Government in the upcoming budgetary discussions. We need to be planning forward. People are being crucified in this country by the cost of living, energy, home heating, housing, rent, education, childcare, transport and healthcare. Rising costs are a real issue. We have seen that in the past week. I observed the protests. There were people there from every demographic in society. They were represented in the protests. Every age group was represented. It is something that is going to continue if there are not further measures and further forward planning taken into account.