Critics attack Budget

Lobby groups and political parties were quick to criticise the Budget yesterday, claiming it had failed to provide for those in most need of financial assistance.

Anti-smoking campaigners ASH expressed deep disappointment with the small price increases for tobacco products.

Spokeswoman Valerie Coghlan said they had been expecting a minimum rise of 60 cents.

“Because of the smoking ban coming in next year it would have been a good chance to have a substantial increase on cigarettes and underpin the Government’s initiative,” she said.

“It’s not even half of what we expected and we are thoroughly disappointed.

“The Government needs to be looking at this area and finding more ways to encourage people to give up smoking.”

Jimmy Quinn, of the Road Haulage Association, said the 5 cent rise in the cost of a litre of petrol and diesel could be catastrophic for the transport industry.

“We are hugely disappointed by this, an extra five cent on a litre is an enormous burden for us to bear,” he said.

“It shows a total lack of understanding of the role we play in the economy and the positive contribution we make to keeping this country ticking over.

“Every year the minister rolls out another increase on fuel tax without ever making any exception for the people whose livelihoods depend upon it.

“We’ll certainly be writing to the minister calling for some measure of relief to lessen the blow of this crude blow,” he added.

Tadgh O’Sullivan, of the Vintners Federation, said he was happy there has been no increase in alcohol excise.

But he insisted Irish people were still paying more tax than their EU neighbours and there should be a cut on duty on alcohol, as it is so high at present.

Turlough O’Sullivan of the business lobby group, IBEC, said it was good news that the Government was continuing to control expenditure.

He said this was good news for all taxpayers, but also for containing inflation.

Voluntary and community organisations have claimed the Budget delivered only half the increase in child benefit which is needed to raise the payment by €24 over the next two years.

The St Vincent De Paul Society charity criticised the lack of special increases for our poorest children.

Green Party finance spokesperson Dan Boyle criticised Mr McCreevy for his “Bob the Builder” budget, which was designed to keep property-owners happy.

“The continuation of property based tax relief is scandalous,” he said.

“Those out of work or on low incomes will be disappointed with this Budget as the Minister for Finance has spent the last 12 months introducing a raft of indirect stealth taxes which are crippling these people.”