FF will push for €12 pensions increase and €10 child benefit hike in budget – Micheál Martin
Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin at the party's ard fheis in the Dublin Royal Convention Centre. Picture: Gareth Chaney
Fianna Fáil will be "pushing very strongly" for a €10 increase to child benefit in the upcoming budget, the Tánaiste has said.
A €12 weekly increase for pensioners, further energy credits, free schoolbooks and childcare as well as a significant tax package are among a list of measures being promised by Micheál Martin's party.
Mr Martin said families are "under pressure" and it is "reasonable to say" that they should receive increased supports this Autumn.
However, he said the Government's cost-of-living package will not be as generous as last year and denied that October's announcement would amount to a pre-election giveaway budget.
"I don't think big bazooka budgets work in elections," Mr Martin told RTÉ radio.
Speaking after the Fianna Fáil ard fheis held over the weekend, Mr Martin indicated the €750 tax credit for renters will increase and USC will be cut.
When it comes to changes in personal taxes, the priority must be families on low and average incomes who are feeling the most pressure from rising prices, the Fianna Fáil leader said.
“That’s what we’ve done this year, and this is our priority for future budgets.”
Fianna Fáil now wants all workers who earn €20,000 or less to be entirely exempt from income tax, while the entry point for the higher rate of tax will be increased for those on larger salaries.
Turning to education, Mr Martin warned that social media and the impact it is having on children is "becoming the new public health crisis of our time".
To address this, a joint initiative will be prepared by health and education and every school will be given funding to support the banning of smartphone use during school time.
Directly addressing social media companies he said:
Mr Martin added that Fianna Fáil is planning to expand the free schoolbooks scheme beyond Junior Cycle to all secondary school students.
This was echoed by Finance Minister Michael McGrath who told the ard fheis that from September, “parents will see a further reduction in childcare costs and next term, parents will see the implementation of the expanded free schoolbook programme".
On housing, Mr Martin said the tax credit for renters will be increased in the upcoming Budget, but ramping up supply of housing is key.
“To tackle our housing crisis, you don’t need politicians delivering angry speeches — you need a commitment to sustained action,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Government’s development levy waiver is to be extended saving up to €20,000 on the cost of building a home, Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien has confirmed.
Announcing the extension, Mr O'Brien said: “I'm bringing a memo to Cabinet this week that will scrap the development levy and water charges for all homes, including rural homes for the remainder of this year,” he said.
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