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The Boy Is Mine

Budget 2024: What Can We Expect?

Tuesday, 10 October 2023 06:51

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Childcare, USC and social welfare are high on the agenda for this year's Budget.

Workers, pensioners and social welfare recipients are to see more money in their pockets as a result of the Budget when it’s announced today.

Meanwhile, childcare rates are to drop by another 25%, in details to be revealed this lunchtime.

Among the measures to be included in this years Budget is a €12 across-the-board increase to social welfare and pension payments.

There will be a temporary mortgage relief of up to €1,250 for struggling households.

The entry point to 2.5% rate of USC will be increased, while the 4.5% rate will be reduced to 4%.

Parents will see a further cut in childcare fees – as Minister Roderic O’Gorman secured the full 25% reduction which yesterday wasn’t looking likely.

There will be a double payment of child benefit in December, but the rate of €140 will remain as is.

The free school book scheme will be extended to first, second and third year students in post-primary.

The half-price young adult transport ticket has been extended to include 24 and 25 year olds.

Families earning less than €100,000 a year will see college fees halved to €1,500.

In Justice, an additional 800 to 1000 new Gardai will be trained in Templemore, while there will be a Garda Reserve recruitment campaign for the first time since 2017.

All the details will be revealed by Ministers Michael McGrath and Paschal Donohoe this lunchtime.

There are concerns amongs farmers about this government's committment to the agricultural sector.

It follows the announcement of a tillage scheme last week.

IFA South Leinster Regional chairman and IFA presidential candidate, Francie Gorman highlighted how little extra was spent on the agri sector in the last budget. 

Mr Gorman says they have no real inkling of what lies ahead today:

With additional incentives expected for landlords today, some also want to see supply issues tackled.

These people think the housing crisis and educational needs should be a priority:

It's hoped today's budget will allow people with disabilities to live self determined, independent lives.

Head of Advocacy and Campaigns at Rehab, Emer Costello, says the budget must develop pathways to full community participation:

There is a huge amount riding on today's budget for those in the childcare sector. 

After three days of action at the end of September, Elaine Dunne from the Federation of Early Childhood providers, says they need positive news this afternoon: 

With the HSE reported to be over budget by at least €1.1 billion, it's anticipated this will impact spending plans in the health sector.

Stephen McMahon from the Irish Patients' Association says it's time they have a full overview of where money is going: 

The Public Expenditure Minister says today's budget is about helping people meet the cost of living while protecting important public services.

Minister Paschal Donohoe says while there will be something for everyone, they have to be careful, however it can't be described as a 'conservative' budget:

Respite services, and an end to waiting lists for therapies are just two of the asks from carers today. 

Catherine Cox from Family Carers Ireland in Tullamore, says the means tests is another area they will be looking at closely today: 

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