I fought hard to deliver

Minister Heather Humphreys and local TD outlines her political aspirations for 2023...

Firstly, it’s a great honour to have been re-appointed as Minister for both Social Protection and Rural and Community Development.

These are two ministerial positions that I really enjoy. In terms of Social Protection, I’m proud to have delivered huge reforms in areas such as Pensions, Auto-Enrolment, Child Maintenance and Pay-Related Benefit.

And my role as Minister for Rural and Community Development has allowed me to deliver unprecedented investment in towns and villages the length and breadth of the country.

Without doubt, 2023 bring its challenges. From early January, a number of measures we secured in the Budget will kick in – putting more money back into people’s pockets. These include the €1.8bn tax package, which will see the average worker’s tax bill reduce by around €1,000pa.

In terms of my own Department of Social Protection, there will be an across-the-board increase of €12 per week from January 1st.

This is all about supporting our elderly, our carers, people with disabilities, lone parents and low income families. On top of that, over 80,000 households will qualify for the fuel allowance for the first time in 2023.

As Minister, I don’t want to see any person afraid to turn on their heating this winter and that’s why I fought hard to deliver this major expansion in the Budget.

It is welcome too that from January 1st, childcare fees will be reduced by 25% as part of a €1 billion investment in childcare.

From a personal perspective, I just want to wish all the readers and staff of The Anglo-Celt a peaceful yet prosperous New Year,

It’s been particularly great to get out into the constituency and meet so many of you in recent months. And it’s been great to see first-hand the positive impact that investment from my Department is having across County Cavan.

With COVID-19, the war in Ukraine and the cost of living challenges, 2022 has not been without its difficulties. But we persevered together – and we will do again in 2023. It continues to be a tremendous honour to serve as your local TD and Minister.

Athbhliain faoi mhaise dhaoibh go léir.

Happy new year to you all!