Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, I welcome the current budget. I think the Government has done its very best to get the balance right, in the first instance, in getting back on a more sustainable trajectory in terms of the public finances, reducing our borrowing costs, which is most important, and in terms of striking a balance between revenue expenditure and also taxation cuts. It is also important to point out that every Government should try to avoid breaking the golden rule of borrowing for current expenditure.

That leads a country onto a very unsustainable path. It is quite notable that next year, all things being equal, we will only be borrowing for capital expenditure. This is a very important part of the budget. IFAC has supported in broad terms the parameters of the budget and the Government has stuck to a very steady path.

It is very important that the rates waiver has been extended until 31 December to underwrite the hospitality sector and some very vulnerable businesses. We are in a very difficult position as we approach 22 October. All things being equal, and if restrictions are relieved, then we have a good gap to the end of the year with supports for business. Schemes such as the employment wage subsidy scheme will continue until next April, which should give businesses a good chance to get viability back into the system, which is very important.

A total of €1.34 billion was spent on a rates waiver from 2020 to 2021. I acknowledge the great work the local authority sector did. It responded within 48 hours by organising the community call to protect the most vulnerable people in our society. It is a huge testament to all those who work in the local authority system how quickly they could mobilise their efforts to achieve it.

With regard to older persons and people with a disability, it is very important that we were successful in getting an increase of more than €5 million. This should guarantee in excess of 11,600 grants next year. This is very important to protect the most vulnerable in our society, enabling people to live independently at home for as long as possible. On the social housing side, under the capital assistance programme for next year, €96 million will be provided to deliver new social homes specifically for older people, homeless households and people with a disability. This is also very welcome.

With regard to Traveller accommodation, it is very important that we acknowledge the increases over recent years, with a quarter increase in the budget from two years ago. We have a huge amount of work to do and I fully accept this. It is only a few days since the sixth anniversary of the Carrickmines tragedy, which was a huge mark on the State. We are trying our best to resolve all of the issues through the expert report and the programme board we have in place to drive the reforms we need in this area. It is independent and works very closely with the Department.

I acknowledge all the work that is going on and all the efforts made by everyone trying to deliver these key public services to all of our citizens. As Minister of State with responsibility for local government, I know it is the arm of government closest to citizens. More than 600 services are provided at our fingertips. We are working very hard to ensure we manage the budget to the very best of our ability to ensure it adds value for all citizens in the State.

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