Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Got it. Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I congratulate my colleague, Deputy Donohoe, who after delivering six budgets as Minister for Finance delivered his first as Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. This budget is not just about numbers. It is about a reflection of our priorities as a Government. Despite the current cost-of-living challenges, the feedback I have received from constituents, in particular on the one-off measures, has been really positive.

Ahead of last year's budget, I went out and surveyed constituents in Clondalkin, Lucan, Palmerstown, Brittas, Saggart, Rathcoole and Newcastle. I highlighted their feedback to my Government colleagues who made it a point to address their main areas of concern, which were health, housing, energy cost, taxes and childcare. This year's budget was all about building on that progress.

This is the fourth budget for which I have been present in the Chamber. I have never had to sit in this Chamber on a budget day when the Government was increasing taxes, reducing pension rates or cutting expenditure. I am so glad that the days of tax hikes and social welfare reductions are confined to the last decade. I am so glad that budgets now actually give money back to people instead of taking it off them. That is thanks to strong and stable leadership and a well-managed economy. Budgets in this decade are about tax reductions and pension increases, grants for businesses, lump sums for social welfare recipients and supports for householders. I remember those dark days of ten and 12 years ago and I do not ever want to sit in this Chamber when taxes are being increased and pensions are being reduced. That is why I am so glad this Government was formed by competent people who understand the economic realities and understand that we cannot promise everything to everyone because no-one has a magic tree.

This Government and whoever will form the next Government will have a finite amount of money and will have to balance the books with a vision to the future. That is the reality. This Government has balanced the books and done so while helping households, families and businesses meet the increased cost of living and with a responsible view to the future.

These include things like capital projects, the environment and our ageing population. That is a good thing in my book.

Budget 2024 has delivered tax cuts. It provides support for high energy costs. It champions the elderly, carers and the vulnerable. It reduces childcare and education costs. It supports our businesses and rural communities. It establishes funds for a secure future and it shows out commitment to safety and community, which is being reinforced with the recruitment of more gardaí.

I particularly praise the focus on families and older people in this budget. For retired people, there is €450 worth of energy credits, a €624 increase in pension throughout 2024, a double pension payment in January on top of the Christmas bonus, a €200 lump sum for those receiving the living alone allowance and a €300 lump sum for those receiving the fuel allowance. To support families, there are the three €150 energy credits, a double child benefit payment in December and free schoolbooks, not just for primary school children, but also extended to first, second and third years in secondary school. There is a 25% reduction in childcare costs from September. More special needs assistant and special education teacher posts have been funded for our schools. Regarding the tax cut, there is an €813 reduction for those on the average wage. There are also reduced college fees and a €750 tax credit for children who are renting. We are also adding a double week in the cost-of-living support for social welfare recipients, increasing pensions, allowances and benefits. That is our way of telling communities that we hear them and are with them.

Our focus also extends to our businesses, the drivers of our economy, with a €250 million package set to help them navigate the cost-of-living pressures. I hope that the new scheme that was introduced under this budget will be extended to support the likes of pubs and supermarkets in my area, which also need support. The tax package of €1.3 billion means that people will see the impact of this budget in their wages. By introducing a significant €2,000 increase in the standard cut-off rate, bringing it up to €42,000, and through offering substantial tax credits, we are ensuring that people get to retain a larger portion of their hard-earned money. By raising the minimum wage to €12.70, we are not just putting money back into people's pockets but also valuing the hard work of everybody in our economy. The minimum wage was €7.65 last decade. In January, it will be €12.70. That is not just an increase, but a leap forward.

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