A Clare haulier says it would be naïve of Government to ‘inflame society’ to the same level that was seen during the fuel protest by not providing adequate support in the budget.
Energy is expected to be a focus point of tomorrow’s budget, with the Government saying a temporary package of energy measures is on the cards.
Excise cuts on fuel are set to continue, while its unlikely the planned increases to the carbon levy will go ahead.
The Irish Road Haulage Association is calling for a package of measures to support the transport and logistics sector, including a further three-month continuation of the Road Transporters Support Scheme, alongside incentives to encourage the use of lower-carbon biofuels.
Ennis based IRHA Deputy Vice-President, Eugene Drennan, says there’s enough flexibility to offer supports that will prevent further protests.
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Meanwhile, Budget negotiations in some departments are expected to continue late into the evening, ahead of tomorrow’s big announcement.
The coalition has already indicated it will change the threshold at which people pay the higher rate of tax.
However there are calls for more to be done for those on the lowest incomes.
The Government’s under pressure for tomorrow’s budget to deliver, after months of rising energy prices, food inflation and the continuing cost of living crisis.
Last year the main social welfare rates increased by 10 euro.
It’s expected this will go up again – but not to the level some want.
It’s been suggested payments like the living alone allowance will rise,but the coalition has ruled out an increase to child benefit.
