A Clare Government TD claims the measures announced in budget 2024 represent a firm commitment to making work pay.
It comes as the state has faced strong criticism from elected representatives and stakeholders alike over supports announced in this years package.
An income tax bundle worth €1.3bn was delivered by Finance Minister Michael McGrath in Budget 2024.
The measures involved will see PAYE (Pay as you earn) entitlements and tax credits increased by €100.
Additionally, the higher rate of income tax has been raised by €2,000, meaning earners will now pay 20% on the first €42,000 of their salaries.
However the government has faced sharp criticism for increasing core social welfare payments by just €12 per week.
The amount is €13 less than required to meet the benchmark of 27.5% of average weekly earnings set by the state in 2007.
Although Meelick Fianna Fáil Deputy Cathal Crowe says this years supports were designed to make life easier for workers while other initiatives will ease the burden on welfare recipients.
A Clare Independent TD meanwhile believes the government’s measures represent an abject failure to engage with low income earners.
The Universal Social Charge was also reduced this year with the third rate falling from 4.5% to 4% , while the entry threshold at this point has been raised to €25,760.
However in real terms cut will see workers earning between €15 and €20 per hour saving an average of just €2.25 in real terms.
Kilrush Deputy Violet Anne Wynne says the gap between rich and poor will continue to grow.
You can listen to the full interview below.
