On Thursday’s Morning Focus John Cooke spoke with Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney TD on some of the main issues of Budget 2013
Along with 100 nationwide rural Garda station closures- eight of which are in Clare – the following were the main cuts:
Property Tax rate of 0.18% – 0.25% on properties over €1m
– Three-year property tax exemption for first-time buyers
– Child benefit will be reduced by €10
– No increase in excise duty on petrol or diesel
– VRT rate and motor tax will increase from 1 January
– Beer/cider up 10 cent, 10c on spirits and €1 on a bottle of wine
– A 20-pack of cigarettes goes up by 10 cent
– Prescription charge for Medical Card holders is trebled to €1.50
Senior Tax Manager at Deloitte in Limerick, Breda McCarthy, explained the property tax in detail
In effect from July 1 2013
– collected by revenue
– owners of residential properties, including rental properties will be responsible for payment
– payable on basis of market value as assessed by owners with guidance from revenue or owners can use a competent valuer
– rate of 0.18% up to market value of 1 million euro and 0.25% on values above that and will be done AT THE MID POINT on bands of 50,000
– example a property between 150,001 and 200,000 will be valued at 0.18% of 175,000
– exemptions largely the same as those for household charge
John spoke with a variety of Morning Focus listeners throughout Clare to get their view on the budget
He also discussed it with government TDs Pat Breen of Fine Gael, Michael McNamara of the Labour Party and Joe Carey of Fine Gael
Doireann headed to the Holy Family School in Ennis bright and early this morning to find out what Clare parents think of yesterday’s budget…
The Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Limerick are offering listeners of morning focus the opportunity to win an end of week prize of a Table of 10 people at Their Christmas Party Night on Saturday 22nd December
The prize includes, Sumptuous 5 course Meal followed by Entertainment by James Sexton Entertainment featuring, "Disco Fever", & DJ
Tune in tomorrow morning when we’ll draw a winner!
If you have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email Focus@clare.fm
