Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has said the Summer Economic Statement, published this afternoon, shows that there is no scope in this year’s budget for net tax cuts.
Deputy Doherty said the focus must be on alleviating the crises in health and housing.
Speaking today he said; “Sinn Fein has consistently said that investment in public services must take priority over tax cuts that will have absolutely no benefit to the vast majority of people on low to average incomes.
“Today’s Summer Economic Statement, showing just €350 million of fiscal space, confirms to us that there is no scope whatsoever for net tax cuts in the upcoming budget.
“Instead the full €350 million should be invested in public services with a particular focus on alleviating the crises in health and housing.”
On the government’s plan to invest €500 million a year into a rainy day fund from 2019 on Teachta Doherty said;
“If you are raising your family in a hotel it is raining today. If you or a loved one are waiting in pain for a medical procedure it is raining today.
“It is beyond belief that the government would put this kind of money aside when we have such serious crises in our public services.
“And it shows that this government, nor one led by Fianna Fáil, who have suggested that €1billion should be put aside per year in this fund, can be trusted to fix these crises and deliver quality public services for all our people.”
Tags: