A former President of Clare Ógra Fianna Fáil insists a return to “common sense politics” is needed in tomorrow’s budget to prevent people from starving.
The final touches are being put on what’s expected to be a 10 billion euro package aimed at tackling the rising cost of living.
A deal has been struck to reduce childcare costs by 25 per cent, while the subsidy for creche places under the National Childcare Scheme will be increased substantially and will be worth up to 2,000 euro a year for some families, according to government sources.
Other measures include free books for primary school pupils, a doubling of child benefit in November, and a 200 euro tax credit payment for renters.
One of the biggest sticking points is the social welfare budget.
Core welfare rates will be increased by somewhere between 10 and 15 euro.
Final details of energy supports for businesses are being worked out.
It’s likely companies will be given back a percentage of the increased cost of energy, and will have to submit 2021 bills to Revenue.
Former President of Clare Ógra Fianna Fáil, Fionn Sexton Connolly is welcoming the measures that have emerged so far, but says more targeted intelligent supports are needed to really make a difference to families.
The Miltown Malbay man says a lot of people are having to make very difficult decisions.
A young Clare mother says it’s a terrifying time for people trying to figure out how to cover the cost of living.
Rebecca Ryan is in her second year of an Accounting Technicians Ireland apprenticeship with Clare County Council.
The 24-year-old, who’s living in Ennis, says for people her age it’s a fantasy to own their own home and only those saving since their communion could even dream of it.
She has no plans to leave the country, but admits she wouldn’t blame anyone thinking of it, saying steps have to be taken so that people can build a future here.
The head of the ESRI is warning the Government that its reliance on corporation tax is exaggerating the amount of public money available to them though.
CEO Alan Barrett says while one off measures are welcome, the Government needs a long term plan to deal with the crisis, if it stretches into next winter.
Final talks are continuing this afternoon to hammer out the last details ahead of tomorrow’s announcement at lunchtime.
Listen back to the full interview here:
