‘Subsidies are panicked response to recent protests’

Opposition politicians and campaign groups have described the water charges subsidies and tax relief as outlined in yesterday’s budget as the response of a panicked government to recent protests.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan announced that income tax relief will be available at the standard rate of 20% in respect of water charges up to a maximum of €500 per household per year. The €100 water subsidy available to those in receipt of the Household Benefits Package is being extended to all homes on winter fuel allowance. The Government predicts that this will see some 653,000 households get the subsidy.

Fianna Fáil spokesman on Social Protection, Willie O’Dea, said that any perceived concessions in this year’s budget will be further eradicated by water charges.