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Midlands TD Says There Are No Supports For Low Income Families In Budget 2021

Tuesday, 13 October 2020 16:51

The largest budget in the history of the state will be funded by borrowing heavily.

The government is looking to spend its way out of the recession, confirming there's set to be a 17 billion euro budget deficit next year.

The largest budget in the history of the state will be funded by borrowing heavily.

It's a budget of two halves - big picture numbers and more granular detail.

4 billion euro added to the Department of Health budget to deal with COVID and increase hospital bed and ICU capacity.

A 3.4 billion euro COVID and Brexit recovery fund.

Targeted money for businesses that have had to close and the live entertainment industry.

Almost a thousand additional SNAs have been promised along with a commitment to reduce student teacher rations to 25:1 at primary level.

620 new gardaí promised and a new fleet of cars for them.

500m from Housing for 9,500 further social homes, and an extension of the help to buy scheme.

Taxation measures are the other side.

A 7.50 rise in the carbon tax that will hit fuel prices from midnight and a promise to do the same every year this decade. 

50c added to the cost of a pack of cigarettes, but alcohol has been left alone as the VAT rate for hospitality has been cut back to 9 per cent.

Lots of measures among an almost 18 billion euro spending package in what's the largest budget in the history of the state.

Aontu Leadear and Meath West Peadar Toibín says despite a record budget, there are some notable sectors that will not benefit from measures announced today:

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