Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome budget 2024 as it takes important steps towards rewarding those who work diligently and help individuals earn more of their hard-earned wages. This budget displays a significant commitment to supporting households, public services, community services and businesses facing the challenges of inflation and the rising costs of living. One of the highlights of this budget is the €1.3 billion tax package that includes increasing the entry point to the top 40% tax rate by an impressive €9,200 over the past decade. This shift from €32,800 in 2014 to €42,000 next year is welcome relief for hardworking individuals. In addition, the reduction of the universal social charge, USC, from 4.5% to 4% further eases the financial burden on the average full-time worker, providing them with more than €1,000 in savings when factoring in other measures. Furthermore, the minimum wage will see a substantial increase of €1.40 per hour raising it to €12.70, which is a positive development. We must also acknowledge the potential impact this may have on staffing costs for many businesses, in particular the hospitality sector, which has already faced challenges with the recent VAT increase to 13.5%. To assist small and medium-sized businesses, this budget is in some way covering their operational costs through the increased cost of business scheme, which will offer a one time grant to approximately 130,000 firms.

These grants will be provided in tiered amounts equal to up to 50% of the commercial rates paid by the firms this year. To qualify for these payments, companies must be paying commercial rates of €20,000 or less. I have received many queries on the scheme, especially from businesses in hospitality, urging that the Government reconsider the commercial rates threshold and possibly raise it to €50,000. This adjustment would help offset their significant staffing cost increases resulting from the higher minimum wage.

While I appreciate the allocation of €800 million to support the healthcare sector, I emphasise that there remains an urgent need in my constituency with regard to an emergency department at Mayo University Hospital. This crucial project is essential for our county. I urge the Government to expedite its development. The announcement of an independent evaluation of investment priorities, fuelled by windfall corporation tax receipts, is promising. I implore the Minister to leverage this initiative to fast-track the development at Mayo University Hospital.

I am also in favour of the 0.5% reduction in the USC. That is an important step forward.

In education, it is crucial we continue to reduce the financial burden on students and parents. The reduction in college fees for families with an income of less than €100,000, halving full-time undergraduate fees to €1,500, is a step in the right direction. We must also expand State support for postgraduate degrees and increase student grants. Abolishing college fees for those earning less than €56,000 and extending this benefit to part-time and online studies will make education accessible to a broader range of individuals.

The additional €11 million package for special schools will create 100 special education teacher posts. That is really important and will improve supports for children in these schools.

On the extension of the Leap card, it would be beneficial to include private coach operators without PSO routes in the scheme, given their role in sustainability. The prioritisation of purpose-built student accommodation is also a pressing issue requiring immediate solution.

Agriculture, a cornerstone of rural communities such as mine, deserves attention. The increased payment per ewe of €20 is welcome and a positive step.

The provision of 1,000 new Garda trainees, increased Garda overtime and the boost in the Garda training allowance are steps towards building a more resilient Garda force.

The budget presents several positive initiatives while also raising important areas for further consideration.

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