Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. I also welcome today's budget which is very fair and targeted. I compliment the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform on their prudent management of the economy, which means we have the funding in place to deliver a budget today. Earlier today, the Minister cited the example of a single pensioner living alone in receipt of fuel allowance who will receive €2,375 between now and the end of 2023. That is extremely positive and it is an example of the targeted funding provided the most vulnerable in society.

I join a number of colleagues in expressing disappointment that the tourism VAT rate of 9% was not extended and that no signal has been given that it will be extended.I agree this needs to be looked at for the 2023 season. As I said, a number of hotels, particularly in Dublin city, that gouged should not be responsible for an entire industry being targeted like this.

I welcome the extension of the health device scheme, which is something the Opposition was not in favour of. More than 35,000 people have availed of this scheme since 2017. I welcome the addition of at least two more years of this scheme.

I have been well known for promoting saving An Post and I am delighted that €10 million was allocated in the budget for 2023, with another €10 million for 2024, followed by another €10 million for 2025 for the scheme to maintain the network throughout the country. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, in particular, for her work on that.

Senator Dolan mentioned significant investment in special education. There will be a total of 686 additional teachers and 1,194 additional special needs assistants, SNAs, with an additional €20 million allocated for the summer programme for 2023, which needs an overhaul. That funding will put special education on a steady footing for the year ahead.

Overall, it is a very fair and targeted budget for those who are most vulnerable in our society.