Cavan politicians believe Budget 2024 will "help those most in need"
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael representatives in Cavan support yesterday's budget announcements
Budget 2024 has officially been announced and people across the country are still considering it’s results.
Cavan’s politician’s, however, believe the announcements willmean great things to those struggling in the cost of living crisis.
Fine Gael’s Senator O’Reilly said Budget 2024 is the tenth Budget in a row which has rewarded work and will help people in Cavan keep more of their hard-earned wages.
“The country is faced with many challenges, but thanks to a pro-jobs policy and strong economy, under the guidance of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, we are building stronger safer communities, ensuring the best start for every child and delivering for rural Ireland and farmers.
“Cost of living challenges continue and inflation is still with us. In response to this in the €1.3bn tax package just announced, Fine Gael has increased the entry point to the top 40% tax rate by €9,200 in the last decade – from €32,800 in 2014 to €42,000 next year. More than 200,000 workers have been removed from the top 40% tax rate since Covid, in the last three budgets. USC has been cut from 4.5pc to 4pc. The minimum wage will be increased by €1.40 an hour to €12.70.”
Fianna Fáil representatives also responded positively to Budget 2024m with Deputy Niamh Smyth and Deputy Brendan Smith agreeing it will aid households in the current energy crisis.
Deputy Smith said, "Budget 2024 also focuses on investing in the infrastructure which is needed for the future, including the largest home building programme for many decades. This house-building programme is of critical importance for every community throughout the country.
The cost of living package amounts to €2.7 billion. We are all very aware of the effect of the energy crisis on families and businesses in Cavan and Monaghan and across the country. Energy bills are a constant worry for most households and direct support by government will help ease those pressures. This Budget aims to ease the pressure with 3 x €150 electricity credits for all households, to be paid between the end of this year and April of next year.
Deputy Niamh Smyth also outlined how families with children will benefit from the new measures in place.
Fianna Fáil in Government is committed to addressing the high cost of childcare for families and making it accessible to all children. Following a 25% reduction in last year's Budget, today as part of Budget 2024 childcare fees are being reduced by a further 25%.
"Building on the revolutionary introduction of free school books at primary level by Minister Norma Foley, €67m has been made available under Budget 2024 to support the expansion of the scheme for students in the first three years of secondary school.
Despite Fine Gael and Fianna Fail approving yesterday’s announcement, Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty told the Dáil he believes Budget 2024 is less than satisfactory.
"This should have been a Budget to resolve the housing crisis. But today, Minister McGrath and Minister Donohoe have failed in that regard", he added.
"Today's budget is further confirmation that they are not the ones to fix it. We needed a budget for renters. Instead, we got a Budget for landlords", he said.
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