Budget 2024 will benefit many sectors of society – David Stanton

Cork East Constituency Fine Gael TD, David Stanton, has welcomed the measures outlined in Budget 2024 which will result in more money in people’s pockets.

Speaking after the Budget was announced, David Stanton said: “The Government has today proposed a package of measures which will greatly benefit many sectors of society. Despite a strong economy and low unemployment rate, people continue to face challenges posed by the rising cost-of-living. I am confident that Budget 2024 will go a long way to addressing this, putting money back in people’s pockets and bringing further improvement to individuals, households, businesses and communities in both rural and urban Ireland.

“An increase in the minimum wage and in tax entry points and a reduction in the Universal Social Charge is welcome in addition to an increase in social welfare and pension payment rates. The Government also remains committed to helping people to deal with energy costs, granting energy payments totalling €450 again this winter and deferring excise increase on petrol and diesel.

“Further supports have also been approved for the education and higher education sectors including the extension of the hot school meals programme, the provision of free schoolbooks up to Junior Certificate and a reduction in college fees while childcare costs continue to be reduced in successive budgets.

“A total of €1.9 billion will be allocated towards the provision of 9,000 new build social homes in 2024 while those looking to purchase their own home may benefit from the extension of the Help to buy Scheme until the end of 2025 and renters will see the rent tax credit increase to €750.

“Businesses will be aided by a €250 million package of supports while potential start-up businesses will be encouraged by the establishment of a new Angel Investors Scheme.

“Increased Garda recruitment and significant rises in the existing Garda overtime and training allowance rates will ensure the further safeguarding of rural and urban communities across the country in the short-term. In the long-term the establishment of both a Future Ireland Fund and an Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund will protect living standards and public services and infrastructure against future challenges as they arise”; concluded David Stanton.