A Clare Fine Gael TD has described the Budget as “prudent” and “progressive.”
Deputy Joe Carey has welcomed his government’s plans, saying it gives money back to people and enhances services.
Asked for the single measure which he feels will make a big difference in Clare, Deputy Carey pointed to the hiring of extra teachers, and the reduction of the teacher-pupil ratio.
Clare’s Independent TD is concerned that the government isn’t committed to reforming the health service.
An extra €685 million has been allocated to the health sector under Budget 2018, while an additional 1,800 front-line staff are to be hired.
But Dr Michael Harty is disappointed that no indication of change was given:
Meanwhile, a Lahinch hotelier is expressing relief that the government has not raised VAT in the hospitality sector.
There had been fears that the 9 percent rate would return to its pre-recession level of 13.5 percent – something that raised concern about the future of the industry.
It will not change for the year ahead – and Michael Vaughan of Vaughan Lodge Hotel in Lahinch believes the government is seeing the benefit to the current rate:
