Gormley welcomes Ireland's greenest Budget

Green Party Leader John Gormley has welcomed the first Budget in the State's history to contain a strong 'green' dimension.

Mr Gormley said it placed a strong emphasis on the fight against climate change.

The Minister for the Environment said there were new measures to start curbing carbon emissions through changes to vehicle registration tax and motor tax.

There are also new incentives for companies to switch to less polluting, more fuel-efficient cars.

"Budget 2008 shows that the Green Party can deliver in government in cooperation with our coalition partners. It is a very good start - and one we intend to build upon during the coming four-and-a-half years," Mr Gormley said.

The Environment Minister pointed out that both his own department and the Department of Communications Energy and Natural Resources - headed by Eamon Ryan - had benefited from significant increases in funding.

Mr Gormley said: "I am encouraged that social welfare recipients received decent welfare increases, with half of the overall increase in current spending devoted to pensions, child benefit and other payments. This is something we have worked for in government and we are pleased to see it reflected in this Budget."

Energy Minister Eamon Ryan said he welcomed the Budget initiatives to tackle climate change, including increased funding for his department to cover a wide range of 'green' measures.

Mr Ryan said: "I am also pleased that many of these initiatives promote enterprise and industry and will help generate jobs in environmentally friendly business.

"I am pleased by the commitment to a new energy efficiency tax credit allowing companies write off 100% of capital spending on energy-saving technologies."

He also welcomed plans to ease access to the business expansion scheme for firms involved in recycling.

Green Party Chairman and Finance spokesperson, Senator Dan Boyle, welcomed the positive thrust of the tax changes which mean minimum wage earners are outside the tax net while workers on the average industrial wage pay at the lower rate.

"I am pleased to see carers getting a better deal and that pensions are increased. I welcome special benefits for retired couples, one of whom is receiving the so-called 'qualified adult allowance,' which will mean €41 per week extra for them," Mr Boyle said.

Mr Boyle welcomed the increase of €83m for overseas development aid which will bring the overall donation to 0.54% of Ireland's GNP.

Minister of State for horticulture and food Trevor Sargent, welcomed new incentives for biofuel producers through a lowering of VAT on seeds and bulbs.