Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This budget was an opportunity to deliver a new vision, particularly for our farming and rural communities. The Government did not take that opportunity. Instead, we have got more of the same failed policies. Those people who need their cars to get to work, including virtually every family in my constituency, will notice little change after this budget except that they will have less money in their pockets as a result of the carbon tax hike. For those renting accommodation and facing increased rents, this budget offers nothing. The fewer than 600 additional social houses to be provided will most likely do nothing for any of the tens of thousands of people who have been failed by the housing crisis of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. For those families and workers who are crippled by high insurance costs, high interest rates on mortgages and increasing electricity bills, this budget offers nothing. For those parents burdened with the highest childcare costs in the world, this budget will do nothing. In fact, to the Government's shame, it introduced nothing at all for the childcare sector, whether for the parents or the professionals who work in that sector.

From the point of view of our farmers, the biggest impact of the budget will again be the increase in the carbon tax which will leave less money in the pockets of people who are struggling desperately to make ends meet. Beef farmers will be especially disappointed in this budget. In our proposals, Sinn Féin had proposed a new suckler scheme that would deliver a payment of up to €300 per cow. This scheme would have supported the farmers who most needed support while also being of benefit to the environment and having a positive impact on rural economies. The Government ignored our proposal and instead propagated beef supports which actually comprise the extension of existing schemes and a paltry additional €5 million in supports in respect of dairy calves in the beef sector. Before entering government, just a few months ago, Fianna Fáil was advocating for an additional €45 million for suckler farming. Perhaps the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, will take the time to tell me where that funding is hidden in the budget. Rather than implementing the type of radical, though much-needed, support scheme suggested by Sinn Féin, the Government has given us a temporary and pale imitation.

The Government's decision to extend Pillar 2 schemes for farmers is welcome and in line with Sinn Féin's proposals but, at this time of crisis, farmers and especially our family farmers need additional supports. This budget provides little in new funding that will directly benefit such farmers. The mooted increase in Department spending will simply not reach farmers. For example, the additional funding announced for TB tests actually just replaces funding lost in EU penalties imposed as a result of Government failures in this area. At the same time, we will see funding for additional farm inspections, Department salaries, office equipment and related expenses.

Farmers will today be struggling to identify what this budget delivers for them, their families and their communities. People right across this State, especially those who live in our rural communities, will be looking on with disgust and despair as this Government decides to give them nothing but additional hardship and charges.

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