Tánaiste Simon Coveney acknowledged that many people are under pressure, particularly in housing, and needed the intervention of the state. However, he also said the government has increased the minimum wage on three separate occasions, to ensure that work does pay.

"We are seeing more people at work and higher wages, that is the way to lift people out of poverty, to help people re-skill , find decent working conditions," Minister Coveney said.

He also said employment opportunities are growing, wages are increasing and prosperity was spreading.