Finance Minister Michael Noonan delivered Budget 2014 yesterday
It contained, as expected, two and a half billion euro worth of cuts and new taxes.
First budget since 2007 where there is an increase in employment – 1.5% both this year and next
On Wednesday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with Minister for Education Ruairí Quin who discussed the measures of Budget 2014 and implications.
He also spoke with Clare government and opposition Deputies Pat Breen and Timmy Dooley
Deputy Breen welcomed the changes to the travel tax whilst Deputy Dooley condemned the cut to maternity benefit.
The Money Doctor John Lowe spoke about yesterday’s budget announcements and how it will effect you and your family
See www.moneydoctor.ie
John Cullinane – President of Saint Vincent de Paul in Clare joined John in studio to speak about what changes will affect people already struggling
The issues discussed were the bereavement grant of €850 to families of dead people that is now to be scrapped
Telephone allowance to be scrapped for everyone from January 1 and save 44 million euro
Young people are to get reduced dole
The telephone allowance is scrapped, while all maternity benefits will be standardised at 230 a week
Prescription charges going up to €2.50
Shannon based Kay Murphy of the Midwest branch of Active Retirement Ireland expressed her disapointment and concern at the cuts targeting the elderly.
Clare Tourism Forum Chairperson Donnagh Cregson of the Bunratty Cookery School expressed her delight at retention of 9 percent VAT rate for tourism industry
In a further boost to the tourism sector Minister Noonan’s reducing the air travel tax to zero from next year, but he says he wants to see airlines capitalise on the initiative
Tourism groups are also welcoming the €8M for Wild Atlantic Way tourism route announced.
Paul Wolfe of Clare Citizens’ Information Service with a comprehensive outline of changes with regard to entitlements.
Contact 0761 07 5260 for more details.
If you have a story for Morning Focus email Focus@clare.fm
