John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

What I will say can be said in a short period. I, too, commend the budget to the House. It was very well received, judged in part by the reaction to the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael McGrath.

There are many highlights but there is a continuing theme in some areas, particularly in education. I commend my colleague, the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, on the work she has done. Quite radical work by the Government has taken place over the past two or three years as regards primary education. Free schoolbooks have now been extended up to junior certificate level, which is very significant. Parents have already contacted me regarding the change in textbooks from year to year so the extension is very significant.

There is a significant improvement in the respite piece in the budget, especially for young adults, adolescents and children with special needs. I commend the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Rabbitte, on that because it is very significant. Respite can sometimes be associated with carers and carers of older people, but this provision is equally important.

On transport, there has been a halving of the price of public transport for working people and young students.

There has once again been a reduction in childcare costs, along with an increase in children's allowance for parents, which will help to mitigate the increasing cost of childcare. That is something the Government and Government parties continue to keep under review.

The continuation of electricity credits and the delay in the reduction and removal of excise duties are all very welcome. We have had an incredibly mild autumn, which I hope does not augur for a particularly cold winter period but, due to the climate, people will have already saved a considerable amount of money.

Almost 300,000 people availed of the rent tax credit in 2022. An increase will be very much welcomed by tenants. The move in respect of particularly small landlords will ensure that people do not have to avail of the tenant in situ scheme and will be secure in their homes for some time to come.

I could speak at length. I am delighted to welcome and commend the budget to the House.

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