Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

In the recent budget, we increased the child support payment by over €16 for those over 12 and by an extra €8 for those under 12. That is a significant permanent package to enhance the approach to addressing child poverty issues in this country. The working family payment threshold has increased by €60 a week, which will allow more families to qualify or to get support. We have extended the fuel allowance, and between 24% and 26% of households will benefit from the fuel allowance. We have brought in pension auto-enrolment, with significant State investment, which will benefit about 750,000 workers into the future.

We have focused on protection of jobs in this budget, particularly in the context of the research and development tax relief. Jobs and the protection of jobs are the most effective way to enable people to deal with high costs of living. The fuel allowance has been increased. In addition, the reduced 9% VAT rate on gas and electricity bills has been extended to 2030, which is a significant measure by any yardstick in terms of costs in this regard. The renter's tax credit has been extended until the end of 2028, which will help and is helping renters. Mortgage interest relief is extended for two more years for certain homeowners. That supports middle class families who are carrying mortgage costs.

Significant changes have been made to third level education eligibility. The income thresholds are significantly high now, well over €100,000 for eligibility for grants and for fees. The evidence for that lies in the exponential growth in third level education in this country.

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