Menu
08/04/2009
Economic Recovery Is Irish Budget's Aim
The Irish Republic's second 'emergency budget' was announced yesterday, with the Finance Minister outlining six steps to recovery in the Daíl, (pictured).
In an effort to get on top of a huge multi billion euro deficit the country is facing, Brian Lenihan said in order for Ireland to recover "we must stabilise our public finances, restore the damaged banking system, regain international competitiveness, protect jobs and create growth, stimulate economic confidence and restore the financial reputation abroad and the damage done by the 'no' vote in the Lisbon Treaty".
Mr Lenihan's budget has therefore been 'tax heavy' to recapitalise the government's finances, with the levy being doubled.
Those earning more than €15,028 will be hit by a 2% levy, those earning over €75,036 will pay 4% and workers on €174,980 or more will pay 6%.
The other major changes are in welfare payments, in order to stem the government's outgoings.
The jobseekers' allowance has been halved for under-20s and rent supplement will be reduced.
Child allowance will be means-tested from next year, and in a move expected to spark fierce criticism, the traditional Christmas bonus will not be paid.
The opposition party Fine Gael have already claimed "Christmas is cancelled" over the policy.
Family Affairs Spokesman Olwyn Enright said: "The axed Christmas bonus for welfare recipients is a measure of Scrooge-like proportions which will hit the most needy in society."
The early childcare supplement will also be halved from May 1, and will be abolished at the beginning next year, to be replaced by a different scheme.
TDs would also have to face cuts with a range of measures announced for Minister's pay. There will be a 10% reduction in their expenses, except for mileage rates and long service payments, while ministerial pensions and teacher's pensions for serving TDs have been abolished.
The salary of Oireachtas Committee chairs will also be halved, and a review of TDs' salaries will be completed by July, using a benchmarking system compared to their European colleagues.
Other measures included a price of 20 cigarettes by 25c while the price of diesel increased by five cents per litre.
The Budget is due to be discussed throughout the day in the Daíl, and reaction to the budget is expected to filter in throughout the day.
See: Irish Budget Targets Cross Border Shopping
(DW/BMcC)
In an effort to get on top of a huge multi billion euro deficit the country is facing, Brian Lenihan said in order for Ireland to recover "we must stabilise our public finances, restore the damaged banking system, regain international competitiveness, protect jobs and create growth, stimulate economic confidence and restore the financial reputation abroad and the damage done by the 'no' vote in the Lisbon Treaty".
Mr Lenihan's budget has therefore been 'tax heavy' to recapitalise the government's finances, with the levy being doubled.
Those earning more than €15,028 will be hit by a 2% levy, those earning over €75,036 will pay 4% and workers on €174,980 or more will pay 6%.
The other major changes are in welfare payments, in order to stem the government's outgoings.
The jobseekers' allowance has been halved for under-20s and rent supplement will be reduced.
Child allowance will be means-tested from next year, and in a move expected to spark fierce criticism, the traditional Christmas bonus will not be paid.
The opposition party Fine Gael have already claimed "Christmas is cancelled" over the policy.
Family Affairs Spokesman Olwyn Enright said: "The axed Christmas bonus for welfare recipients is a measure of Scrooge-like proportions which will hit the most needy in society."
The early childcare supplement will also be halved from May 1, and will be abolished at the beginning next year, to be replaced by a different scheme.
TDs would also have to face cuts with a range of measures announced for Minister's pay. There will be a 10% reduction in their expenses, except for mileage rates and long service payments, while ministerial pensions and teacher's pensions for serving TDs have been abolished.
The salary of Oireachtas Committee chairs will also be halved, and a review of TDs' salaries will be completed by July, using a benchmarking system compared to their European colleagues.
Other measures included a price of 20 cigarettes by 25c while the price of diesel increased by five cents per litre.
The Budget is due to be discussed throughout the day in the Daíl, and reaction to the budget is expected to filter in throughout the day.
See: Irish Budget Targets Cross Border Shopping
(DW/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 December 2009
Budget Report Strikes Different Notes
While the NIO Secretary of State Shaun Woodward has welcomed yesterday's Pre Budget Report from Chancellor Alistair Darling, not everyone is quite so upbeat. The Secretary of State said: 'This Pre Budget Report is good for Northern Ireland.
Budget Report Strikes Different Notes
While the NIO Secretary of State Shaun Woodward has welcomed yesterday's Pre Budget Report from Chancellor Alistair Darling, not everyone is quite so upbeat. The Secretary of State said: 'This Pre Budget Report is good for Northern Ireland.
10 September 2002
MLA's call for new firefighters pay scheme
Two UUP MLA's have called on the Northern Ireland Executive to implement a new pay scheme for Ulster's firefighters. North Antrim UUP MLA the Rev Robert Coulter called for the introduction of a new pay formula in a motion to the Assembly on Monday. Mr Coulter said he hoped it would help achieve a real remedy to the question of firefighter’s pay.
MLA's call for new firefighters pay scheme
Two UUP MLA's have called on the Northern Ireland Executive to implement a new pay scheme for Ulster's firefighters. North Antrim UUP MLA the Rev Robert Coulter called for the introduction of a new pay formula in a motion to the Assembly on Monday. Mr Coulter said he hoped it would help achieve a real remedy to the question of firefighter’s pay.
12 April 2024
Economy Minister Announces Increased Pay Offer For Lecturers
Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, has announced an increased pay offer further education lecturers, which he described as "vital to providing the skills that grow our economy".
Economy Minister Announces Increased Pay Offer For Lecturers
Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, has announced an increased pay offer further education lecturers, which he described as "vital to providing the skills that grow our economy".
28 January 2011
Dáil 'To Dissolve On Tuesday'
The Irish Republic's Premier, Brian Cowen, is to announce the dissolution of the Dáil next Tuesday in preparation for the upcoming election at the end of February. The end of the current parliament will also mark the end of Mr Cowen's two-year tenure as Taoiseach, while speculation is mounting that it may also be the end of his career in politics.
Dáil 'To Dissolve On Tuesday'
The Irish Republic's Premier, Brian Cowen, is to announce the dissolution of the Dáil next Tuesday in preparation for the upcoming election at the end of February. The end of the current parliament will also mark the end of Mr Cowen's two-year tenure as Taoiseach, while speculation is mounting that it may also be the end of his career in politics.
10 February 2011
Wilson Supported Over NICVA Budget Report
As the Stormont Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson said he would only look at raising taxes when the "recession is over" a DUP party colleague has been backing the Minister's stance. The Strangford MLA and Finance Committee Member Simon Hamilton also added his welcome for the publication of a critical overview of the Executive's recent Draft Budget.
Wilson Supported Over NICVA Budget Report
As the Stormont Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson said he would only look at raising taxes when the "recession is over" a DUP party colleague has been backing the Minister's stance. The Strangford MLA and Finance Committee Member Simon Hamilton also added his welcome for the publication of a critical overview of the Executive's recent Draft Budget.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
