Calculated and crafty
The new Finance Minister, showing a marked change of style from his brash predecessor Charlie McCreevy, came good on his promises to give substantial assistance to low-income earners and those on social welfare. And in his one major eye-catching measure, the minister also announced a far-reaching package for the disability sector, which will see an additional €900 million being invested over three years.
The changes, born out of Mr Cowen’s strong track record in this area, were widely welcomed by the opposition. It will mean that 4,500 extra care places will be provided for people with disabilities and that 600 people with intellectual disabilities and autism will be transferred from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate places.
