Budget 2023 has been described as a “budget of progressive and protective measures for all”.
That’s according to Donegal Minister Charlie McConalogue, who said the €11 billion package will help Donegal families and businesses as they deal with the cost of living shocks.
The main measures announced today are:
Social Welfare
- weekly social welfare rates will be increased by €12 for working age recipients
- there will also be a €12 increase in weekly payments for pensioners
- the Working Family Payment threshold will increase by €40
- there will be a €2 increase in the weekly rate for a Qualified Child
- there will be an increase in eligibility for Fuel Allowance
- a €500 lump sum for families availing of the working family payment, a €500 lump sum for carers, a €500 cost of disability payment and a €20 increase in the domiciliary care allowance for sick children
Health
- all inpatient hospital charges will be abolished
- GP visit cards will be provided to those on or below the median income (340,000 additional people)
- there will be a €2 increase in the weekly rate for a Qualified Child
- the Drug Payment Scheme threshold will remain at the lower rate of €80 in 2023
- funding will be provided to provide access to IVF treatments
- free contraception will be available for all women aged between 16 and 30
Childcare and education
- there will be a Free School Book Scheme for primary school pupils from autumn 2023
- reduction in primary schools Pupil Teacher Ratio to historic level of 23:1
- 25% reduction in average weekly childcare fees worth up to €2,100 per year
- over 660 additional mainstream teachers, over 1,190 SNAs and 680 special education teachers will be provided
- school transport contribution to costs of fuel for school buses €10m
- the National Childcare Scheme hourly subsidy is to increase from 50c to €1.40
- there will be a €500 increase in post-graduate contribution grant for eligible families
- over 4,800 additional places on craft and consortia-led apprenticeships and 4,000 places on craft apprenticeship programmes will be supported
Housing
- funding will be made available to support 8,800 new HAP tenancies and 800 RAS tenancies
- 9,100 new-build social homes, 5,500 new affordable homes for sale and rent and 6,500 new social homes will be supported
- funding to deliver 37,000 home energy upgrades
- €1,000 Tax Credit for Renters (€500 per year)
Other measures
- 1,000 new Garda and 430 Garda staff will be provided
- the 20% fare reduction on public transport will be extended to the end of 2023
- a €1.2 billion package of supports for businesses hit by soaring energy costs
Supporting businesses:
- Supports to pay small businesses and farms 40% of the increase in gas and electricity bills, capped at €10k a month
- Up to €2m for firms exporting and manufacturing with a plan to control energy costs
Electricity:
- 3 x €200 electricity credit for all households
Farming, fishing and coastal communities:
- Over €500m to fund the roll out of the new CAP Strategic Plan
- More than €100m in supports for beef and sheep farmers
- €10m in supports for the tillage sector
- Support to offset high fertiliser prices through grant aid schemes for Multi Species Swards and red Clover as well as new €8m Liming Scheme
- Largest ever marine and coastal community budget
Minister McConalogue said the Budget is designed to “protect people, families, businesses, farmers, fishers and jobs.”
Commenting, Minister McConalogue said “It is a challenging time and this Budget is an important response. We want to help people deal with the cost-of-living crisis. This historic budget will increase social welfare support and put money in people’s pockets through tax cuts. It will mean investment in public services, reduced childcare, education and healthcare costs. For farmers, fishers, farm families and our rural and coastal communities, I have delivered a €2.14bn Budget which is an increase of 13% from Budget 2022. This is a Budget of strong measures to help everyone in society.”
