Longford TD says Budget 2025 eases cost of living pressures on families
He said Budget 2025 is "implementing measures to protect the most vulnerable in society"
Budget 2025 will deliver targeted supports to people, families and businesses to alleviate pressures caused by the increased cost of living, according to local TD Joe Flaherty.
The Fianna Fáil representative said they measures are focused on "implementing measures to protect the most vulnerable in society, give families and households a break, safeguard the economy and prepare for the future".
He insisted they want to cushion people, families, pensioners and businesses from the impact of inflation over recent years.
"That is why we are giving every household €250 in energy credits this Winter," he said. “Fianna Fáil in Government has championed increases to the State pension and prioritised the well-being of older people and the most vulnerable."
Deputy Flaherty outlined that Budget 2025 has seen a €12 rise in all weekly social protection payments and it lowers the eligibility age for the fuel allowance from 70 years of age to 66.
The Longford TD stated Budget 2025 marks the most any Government has ever spent on housing.
“This budget sees the most any Government has ever invested in housing. Over 115,000 new homes have been completed since we entered government in 2020," he said. "We are guaranteeing the Help-to-Buy scheme will be in place to the end of the decade and for renters we are increasing the renters tax credit for both this year and next to €1,000 per renter to help them with the cost of rent.”
Deputy Flaherty insisted Budget 2025 builds on Fianna Fail’s reform of the healthcare and education sectors, while providing supports to low- and middle-income workers and SMEs.
“In healthcare we are focused on affordability and universal access based on need, not ability to pay," he said. "We are increasing investment in mental health services and addressing overcrowding and waiting lists by expanding surgical hubs, fully funding the National Cancer Strategy, and rolling out free HRT for women."
Deputy Flaherty said as a party, they believe in the power of education, and they believe in making education truly accessible for all.
"In Budget 2025 we have fully expanded the free schoolbooks scheme to cover all children in primary and secondary school, easing the financial burden on families, and we have increased investment in infrastructure, staffing, and special needs education including an additional 1,600 SNAs and 750 Special Education teachers," he added.
Deputy Flaherty stated Budget 2025 prioritises those who need it most, offering significant income tax relief to help address ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
"Under Fianna Fáil, the average worker will be approximately €1,000 better off, thanks to a combination of income tax cuts and targeted cost-of-living supports," he said. “We have provided unprecedented supports to SMEs across the country which are the backbone of our economy, providing jobs and supporting local communities."
He stated Budget 2025 measures will provide direct cost-of-doing-business support grants of up to €4,000, reduce complexity, boost Ireland’s attractiveness as a place to do business, support innovation and provide a range of new and enhanced tax relief schemes and incentives.
"Fianna Fáil Budget prioritises helping people, families and businesses with the increased cost of living, and increasing investment in housing, water, energy and key infrastructural projects will protect Ireland's progress and secure our future," he added.