James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have taken part in all of the budget debates since I became a Member of this House in 2007. Throughout those years, Ireland weathered its way through the worst economic crisis since the foundation of the State. Budget 2016 is a landmark budget because it marked the occasion when this country had money to spend for the first time since 2007. My contribution to this debate will focus on how budget 2016 delivered for our rural communities.

In the days after the Budget Statement, several people asked me what budget 2016 delivers for rural communities across the midlands. I summed it up with three points. It delivers relief for farmers, introduces new supports for local businesses and provides more gardaí. Coming from a constituency with a large farming community, and as a farmer myself, the measures introduced in budget 2016 will have an overwhelmingly positive impact, especially for younger farmers. One of the most positive aspects is the tax credit of €5,000 per annum for five years for farmers who transfer their land to successors over time, making it easier for farms to be passed from one generation to the next. Equally, the series of agri-taxation measures, like stock relief and stamp duty exemptions, will all make farming more attractive to younger people and families. This should be warmly welcomed by all sides of the House.

Supporting local business, the budget will encourage job creation and help employers. Throughout the economic crisis, local retailers were the key drivers in the economic recovery, as they were able to generate local employment and keep their local communities alive. Accordingly, it is only fair that this budget rewards those small retailers by reducing costs, which up until now have been hitting them hard. These reductions will come into effect on 9 December and will save retailers an estimated €36 million in fees per year. This budget is a positive one after what has been a stressful time for small business owners and the self-employed.

Rural crime has always been a serious issue, but it has become more widespread as highly mobile criminal gangs use our road networks to target isolated areas and escape with ease. The substantial investment in more gardaí in recent weeks, along with the budget announcement of 600 additional recruits, will boost the 550 who have already started work since the Government reopened Templemore Garda College. While I have raised this issue with the Minister for Justice and Equality already, I would like to put on the record again that I believe a majority of these 600 additional recruits should be stationed in rural communities, along with the introduction of additional community CCTV, closed-circuit television, schemes.

This is a constructive budget. Up to 410,000 fewer people will now pay the Fianna Fáil universal social charge, USC. The past few budgets have been hard, but they made it possible for Ireland to exit the bailout, reduce our debts and move into real recovery. This budget is affordable, responsible and consistent with the Government’s plan to eliminate Government borrowing by 2018.

It will drive job creation and support local businesses in rural areas. The Government has prioritised job creation since it took office. The more jobs created, the less tax for those already working and more revenue for providing better services for our people. We are also committed to ensuring work is rewarded and communities across Ireland benefit from this recovery. There is a feel-good factor in the country compared to five years ago.

I also welcome the recent announcement concerning the provision of an additional stroke machine in the Midland Regional Hospital at Mullingar. I also welcome the progress in the new accident and emergency unit in the hospital, with €6 million in funding provided by the Government for its completion.

The provision of 46 primary care centres by the Government is an important aspect for communities. This should be welcomed and is acknowledged by the general public.

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