Budget 2021 is a missed opportunity to transform Education in Ireland according to Labour Education Spokesperson Aodhán Ó Ríordáin. Speaking after the announcement of Budget 2021, Deputy Ó Ríordáin said: “While Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil have played political football with tax cuts this year, there has been precious little focus on the need for increased…

Responding to Budget 2022, Labour employment spokesperson Marie Sherlock called out the Government for failing to even mention the enormous youth unemployment problem that exists as a result of the pandemic. With current unemployment rates for young workers at 17.4% in September 2021, youth unemployment is running at almost four times the rate of older…

Responding to Budget 2022, Labour defence spokesperson Mark Wall said our Defence Forces deserve more than three sentences in a speech. Senator Wall said: “The three lines of thanks from Minister McGrath will mean nothing to the Defence Force families who continue to seek proper pay and conditions. The indication that the Minister will address…

Cost of living crisis is right now, not next September €250 emergency grant awarded last year should be reflected in this year’s payment The proposed budget increases to the SUSI grant should be backdated to September for this college year said Labour spokesperson Annie Hoey, as the cost of living crisis is now, rather than…

Childcare package a welcome increase, but a vision for universal, public childcare lacking Additional funding to disability services welcome, but opportunity for radical change missed Following its publication, Ivana Bacik TD has said that Budget 2022 is a missed opportunity for a New Deal for Care in Ireland. Deputy Bacik said: “It was a collective…

Responding to Budget 2022 Labour health spokesperson Duncan Smith said people want system change, not throwaway tax cuts. Deputy Smith said the post-pandemic crisis within our health system will not be resolved by this government. Deputy Smith said: “Budget 2022 will be a disappointment for many people in Ireland, particularly those with additional care needs….

Zoned land tax reduction from 7% vacant land tax to 3% No vacant homes tax Zero for renters No changes to HAP limits Labour housing spokesperson Rebecca Moynihan said Budget 2022 was a missed opportunity to tackle systemic issues in the housing market and confront the rental crisis head on. Senator Moynihan said: “Government have…

As prices rise Budget 2022 will leave households worse off. For example a minimum €7.50 increase is needed to jobseeker payments to insulate against 3.7% inflation. Responding to the €5 increase to weekly payments, and other associated measures, Labour Social Protection spokesperson Seán Sherlock TD said the projected inflation rate of 3.7% means that the…