BUDGET 2018: Minister urged to roll out relief from austerity
By Mary Dennehy
Tomorrow, Minister Paschal Donohoe will present his first Budget, with those living across local communities hoping that there is a strong social focus on the figures being released.
While there’s been plenty of commentary and teasers, with income tax cuts expected, a rise in the State pension and relief for homeowners, many are hoping that the figures released materialise into real change in their homes and communities.
Peter Byrne – CEO of South Dublin Chamber, Grace Hill – Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Task Force, Triona Murphy – Tallaght Hospital Action Group (THAG), Mary Keegan – Fettercairn Estate Management
Local housing, access to health, childcare, front-line services, Garda resources, investment in supports for people with disabilities and their carers, and tax breaks for the ‘squeezed middle’ are just a few of the wish-list items.
We asked a number of local organisations working on the ground what they would like to see in Budget 2018?
Peter Byrne – CEO of South Dublin Chamber
I would like to see mo--re equality for the self-employed, particularly SMEs which make up approximately 99 per cent of Irish business and employ over 870,000 people.
If our taxation system is not attractive for those considering starting a business, our economy is at risk of losing out on cutting-edge business initiatives and importantly on job creation.
I would like to see in Budget 2018; Earned Income Tax Credit for self-employed brought in line with the Employee Tax Credit; introduce an Opt-in PRSI System for the self-employed; deliver USC Equity by removing the 3 per cent USC surcharge; support female entrepreneurship and women in business with targeted funding, and remove the PRSI anomalies for maternity and paternity leave; and lastly Tax Credit on Employer PRSI to enable micro enterprises to grow.
Grace Hill – Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Task Force
We need more investment in front-line services. There is a huge increase in cases of drug-related deaths and suicide in our communities and we feel that this is directly linked to cuts in frontline services such as addiction and mental health services.
We also need more investment in our Garda station, especially the local drug squad and community police. The current numbers are not sufficient.
Triona Murphy – Tallaght Hospital Action Group (THAG)
We’d like to see capital funding for Tallaght Hospital’s proposal to build a new 72-bed unit on site. We would also like to see sufficient investment and staffing to reduce waits for occupational health, home-care packages, speech and language therapy and other intervention for children with special needs. Investment should also be made around the recruitment and retention of nurses.
Mary Keegan – Fettercairn Estate Management
I think it’s about time the Senior citizens got a rise in their pensions – it has been a while since they had one. The cost of living is continuing to rise with food bills, heating and prescription charges and so on. Also make funding available to senior citizens groups.
I also would like to see the release of funding for social housing to local authorities to help families out of the hotel trap syndrome.
Restore the death grant, as many families are faced with huge bills when a loved one has passed – in recent times struggling communities have had to run fundraisers to help with costs. And, lastly, restore funding cuts to community projects.
The Tallaght West Childhood Development Initiative (CDI)
The Childhood Development Initiative (CDI) is seeking funding in Budget 2018 to ensure continued delivery of services to the end of 2018 and to plan for future years. In 2018 CDI is seeking funding of €1.3m. This funding will enable hundreds of children, parents and staff to be supported by proven evidence informed programmes and services in Tallaght West.
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