Budget 2016 is nearly upon us

Finance Minister Michael Noonan will go before the Dail in 20 minutes to announce the 2016 Budget in which there are thought to be a few surprises.

The most talked about measure in today's Budget so far this morning has been the provision of free GP care to under 11s. However, this has already been rejected by the Irish Medical Organisation as 'just not possible'.

The current 7% rate of USC, on incomes between €17,577 and €70,044, will be reduced by at least 1.5% - there are also likely to be changes to the lower USC rates.

 

Increases in child benefit and the introduction of free pre-school for children aged between three and five are expected to be announced.

The old age pension is to be raised by €3 a week, there is to be an increase to the fuel allowance and a larger than expected Christmas bonus.

This means a single pensioner will have an extra €300 while a couple will get almost €640.

Also predicted this morning by economic experts were: €550 a year tax credit for the self-employed, tax breaks for micro-breweries, a freezing on prescription charges and A&E fees, an increase in the inheritance tax threshold, two weeks parental leave, funding for 20,000 new homes by 2020 through Nama and resotoration of the respite grant for carers.

Reports indicate that Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has secured funding for at least 600 additional gardaí, with the positions advertised in the coming weeks.

A multimillion euro package for Garda overtime, as well as funding for additional staff in the Courts Service has also been agreed.

Elsewhere ther will be credits for innovation in business and the old favourites cigarettes and alcohol are both to be hit with the former rumoured up by 50c.