He explained, "Budget 2008 safeguards this legacy by providing increased benefits for childcare, older people and social welfare recipients. When combined with the increases in funding for healthcare and the measures to benefit workers I am convinced that Budget 2008 represents a fantastic deal for the country."
Minister Killeen On Social Welfare Increases:
"The EUR900 million welfare package announced in the Budget will benefit more than 1.5 million people in 2008. This increased spending will bring the total welfare spend in 2008 to a record EUR17 billion. The State Pension (Contributory)
"This Government has a tangible record of delivering for the elderly in society. Since 2002 the level of the State Pension (Contributory)
"Budget 2008 also delivers increases in numerous social welfare schemes such as the family income supplement, back to school clothing and footwear allowance, respite care grants and the early childcare supplement."
Minister Killeen On PAYE Workers
"Despite these numerous benefits for the least well off in our society, the Government has certainly not neglected the PAYE worker. The widening of the tax bands and the increases in tax credits protects and enhances the income position of those in employment and supports those who find themselves in difficult circumstances or on fixed incomes."
"A person will now not begin paying income tax until they earn at least EUR18,300 per annum and even then a single person will have to earn EUR35,400 and married person EUR44,400 before they move on to the higher rate of income tax. For married two earner couples this will be EUR70,800."
"It will meet the Government's priority to use tax credits and bands to keep low-income earners out of the standard rate band and average earners out of the higher band."
Minister Killeen On Stamp Duty Reform:
"The new rules on stamp duty introduced by this Budget will provide vital support to first time buyers and young families looking to take their first steps onto the property ladder. There will be no losers and no anomalies created by this banding system. It will be extremely simple, and considerably less expensive for both buyers and sellers."
"Purchases of residences with a value of less than EUR1 million will be charged stamp duty on the basis that no tax will be payable on the first EUR125,000 of the consideration, and the balance will be charged at 7 per cent. Only those houses valued in excess of EUR1 million will pay at a higher rate of 9 per cent on the portion of the price, which is in excess of that figure."
"A natural slowdown in property price inflation is welcome, combined with the generous increases in mortgage interest relief these reforms will help out the hardest pressed segments of the housing market."
Minister Killeen On Health Care:
"Budget 2008 provides nearly EUR16.2 billion for health, an increase of over EUR1,100 million on this year's provision. The Government is determined that these significant increases will go to directly support the delivery of front line services around the country. For example, EUR135m in new funding is provided in 2008 for the creation of a new long-term residential care scheme – A Fair Deal - and for complementary community support services for older people."
"We will continue to work to improve policies and practices in all areas of service delivery so that the people of Ireland get the Health Service they deserve."
-ENDS-
Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and Communication Energy and Natural Resources with special responsibility for Environment and Energy, is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High resolution image of Minister Killeen available on request
