Crazy cuts hit children and boost horses

MOST of the cuts made in the budget are either unjust, unfair or just plain cruel.

However, taking €150 million from child allowance and using it to reduce the price of alcohol and to put money into horse racing is crazy.

Obviously the Government can’t be too concerned about the serious problems caused by alcohol abuse in this country.

And giving more money to horse racing when most of it is used for prize money that often goes to millionaire and billionaire racehorse owners (who may or may not live abroad to avoid tax) is a thundering disgrace.

The worse thing about this policy is that the Government may be taking child benefit from women whose partners are addicted to gambling or, worse, are heavy drinkers and commit domestic abuse.

And this is leadership? Obviously the Government is being led by the policy of the IMF which is to serve the interests of global finance and to support the onward march of neoliberal globalisation irrespective of the damage this may cause to society.

Brian Abbott

‘Glencairn’

Bishopstown Road

Cork