Budget Breaking News
Friday 04 January, 2013 07:40:23
Noonan: Confidence returning to Irish economy
Finance Minister Michael Noonan has said that confidence is coming back into the Irish economy.Wednesday 19 December, 2012 18:24:44
Gilmore: No plans to remove rebels from Labour Party
Labour has today denied that party leader Eamon Gilmore plans to remove any of the six rebel TDs and Senators from the party.Wednesday 19 December, 2012 15:29:56
Labour Senator set to join Budget rebels
Labour could be set to lose another member of its Parliamentary Party today.Friday 14 December, 2012 07:58:34
Burton regrets decision of expelled Keaveney
Deputy leader of the Labour Party Joan Burton has said that she regrets the decision of former Party Chairman Colm Keaveney to vote against the Budget. T.Thursday 13 December, 2012 14:14:39
Keaveney votes against social welfare bill
The Galway East TD Colm Keaveney has voted against the social welfare bill.
Thursday 13 December, 2012 08:33:50
TDs and Ministers to vote on child-benefit and respite-care grant cuts
TDs and Ministers will vote later on whether to implement some of the most controversial cuts to social welfare payments announced in the Budget.Tuesday 11 December, 2012 11:56:59
Martin: Labour TDs think Budget is 'a disaster for them'
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has said that Labour TDs have described the Budget as "a disaster for them".Tuesday 11 December, 2012 11:46:10
Carers prepare for Dáil demonstration
Hundreds of family carers are heading to the Dáil this afternoon to voice their outrage at Budget 2013.Tuesday 11 December, 2012 09:59:00
Creighton: Next year's Budget 'will not be this difficult'
Minister for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton has said that Budget 2013 is as balanced and fair as it can be.Monday 10 December, 2012 15:51:51
Rabbitte: Backbenchers knew how tough Budgets would be
Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte said today that rebel Labour backbenchers knew from the start how tough the recent Budget was going to be.Sunday 09 December, 2012 12:36:46
Labour Party chairman Keaveney calls for child-benefit cut reversal
The chairman of the Labour Party has called on the Government to row back on cuts to child benefit announced in Budget 2013.Sunday 09 December, 2012 11:18:34
Pyrite-hit homeowners call for property-tax exemption
The Pyrite Action Group has said the property tax announced in the Budget "adds insult to injury" for homeowners who bought affected homes during the boom.Saturday 08 December, 2012 13:37:12
Sinn Féin to table motion of no-confidence in Govt
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has said his party would table a motion of no confidence in the Government next week.Saturday 08 December, 2012 10:50:41
3,500 health-service jobs to go next year
About 3,500 jobs are to be cut from the health service next year.Saturday 08 December, 2012 10:14:32
SIPTU calls for faster introduction of 41% pensions tax
SIPTU has said the Government can generate €125m extra for the exchequer next year through the earlier introduction of a new tax on high-value pensions.Friday 07 December, 2012 14:09:56
Creighton: Government has 'no option' but to implement Budget cuts
European Affairs Minister Lucinda Creighton said today that the Government has no choice but to proceed with implementing the Budget. Friday 07 December, 2012 08:57:47
Varadkar: No mistakes in Budget
The Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar says he does not believe there are any mistakes in the budget.Friday 07 December, 2012 08:35:39
Shortall: Budget 'very damaging' for Labour
Former Labour Junior Minister Roisín Shortall believes Budget 2013 will be very damaging for the party.Friday 07 December, 2012 07:11:37
Carers to gather outside Dáil in protest over respite care grant cuts
Around 100 family carers will gather outside the Dáil this afternoon to protest over the cut to their respite care grant.Thursday 06 December, 2012 18:42:38
Kenny insists there will be no Budget U-turn
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny is indicating there will not be any U-turn on the issue of respite care grants.Thursday 06 December, 2012 14:53:20
McDonald calls on Rabbitte to reverse 'indefensible' care grant cut
The Government's under increasing pressure to reverse the €325 cut to the respite care grant announced in yesterday's Budget.Thursday 06 December, 2012 12:23:29
Varadkar warns Keaveney Budget 'isn't an a la carte menu'
The Minister for Transport says the Budget 'isn't an a la carte menu'.Thursday 06 December, 2012 11:02:17
Respite care grant cuts 'modest', says Rabbitte
Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte has today refused to deal with calls for a reversal of the cut to respite care grants, which he has described as "modest".Thursday 06 December, 2012 10:58:05
Gilmore defends Budget cuts
Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has today defended €3.5bn in austerity cuts and tax hikes announced in yesterday's Budget.Thursday 06 December, 2012 10:16:47
Howlin: 'Very difficult' to be a Labour Minister during austerity
Minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin has said that it is very difficult to be a Labour Minister during austerity, but his party has defended the most vulnerable "with some very great success" Thursday 06 December, 2012 09:29:07
Varadkar: Budget will make us 'even more unpopular'
Transport Minister Leo Varadkar has admitted that yesterday's Budget will make the Coalition "even more unpopular than we already are". Thursday 06 December, 2012 08:32:40
Student leader promises escalation in protests
Students' representatives have accused the Government of going against their promises to support life-long learning..Thursday 06 December, 2012 07:03:57
Labour backbenchers voice unease over Budget
Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has moved to calm nervous Labour backbenchers, who are worried that taxes on wealth have not featured enough in the Budget. Wednesday 05 December, 2012 20:55:05
Hikes and cuts leave little cheer
In the latest austerity onslaught, just weeks before Christmas, the Government has cut child benefits, tripled prescription charges and rubber-stamped the hugely-controversial property tax. Wednesday 05 December, 2012 20:20:46
No defectors on first Budget vote
No backbenchers have defected on the first vote in Budget 2013.Wednesday 05 December, 2012 20:02:30
Pharmacists: Rise in prescription fees could increase healthcare costs
The Irish Pharmacy Union has reacted angrily to the announcement to treble the cost of prescription fees for patients and also to cut the professional fees to community pharmacists in the Budget.Wednesday 05 December, 2012 19:58:08
Subdued tone belies swingeing blows in Budget 2013
Michael Noonan’s measured, almost subdued tone belied some swingeing blows for families, wealthier older people and workers in Budget 2013.Wednesday 05 December, 2012 19:46:56
TDs start voting on Budget measures
The first vote on Budget 2013 is underway in the Dáil.Wednesday 05 December, 2012 19:39:28
Vintners: Alcohol price rises will cost 10,000 jobs
The Vintners Federation of Ireland has said 10c increase on the price of a pint will cost up to 10,000 jobs in the sector.Wednesday 05 December, 2012 19:31:12
INMO: Budget will influence attitude in Croke Park talks
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation says the cuts and new taxes announced in today's budget will have an effect on the Croke Park extension talks.Wednesday 05 December, 2012 18:50:37
Burton rejects anti-women Budget claims
The Social Protection Minister Joan Burton is rejecting claims Budget 2013 is anti-women and anti-children.Wednesday 05 December, 2012 18:17:24
Scuffles break out at Leinster House
Some scuffles have broken out this evening between protestors and Gardaí at Leinster House. Wednesday 05 December, 2012 17:54:13
Twenty thousand pensioners to lose medical card
Twenty thousand pensioners are to lose their full medical card and receive a GP visit card instead.Wednesday 05 December, 2012 17:42:03
IFA claim PRSI change will put farmers out of business, VFI condemns alochol price rise
Irish Farmers Association president John Bryan said the measures in Budget 2013, including changes to PRSI, will put some farmers out of business. Wednesday 05 December, 2012 17:24:37
SFA welcomes 'necessary' Budget adjustment; INMO 'reach end of the road'
The Small Firms Association have welcomed the fact that the Government has not increased the direct cost of employment to employers, but expressed concern at the elimination of the employer redundancy rebate. Wednesday 05 December, 2012 17:00:07
A Budget without hope, Doherty claims; Ó Caoláin calls it 'a day of shame' for Labour
Sinn Féin's Pearse Doherty said the budget implements the same failed policies that were seen when Fianna Fáil were in power. Wednesday 05 December, 2012 16:39:41
IBEC director claims Govt. should be congratulated; SVP say 'elements can be welcomed'
Director General of business group IBEC Danny McCoy has welcoming the budget saying the Government should be congratulated. Wednesday 05 December, 2012 16:25:42
McGrath accuses Labour of capitulating under FG demands
Fianna Fáil is accusing the Labour Party of capitulating to Fine Gael demands by not increasing tax on those with high incomes. Wednesday 05 December, 2012 15:47:54
Noonan: 'We're emerging from crisis'
Ireland is emerging from its economic crisis, Finance Minister Michael Noonan declared as Budget 13, the sixth austerity budget in a row, got underway.
»newsflashWednesday 05 December, 2012 15:28:31
Unvouched expenses system to end: Howlin
Minister Brendan Howlin has announced an end to the unvouched expenses system.Wednesday 05 December, 2012 15:25:49
No cuts to weekly social welfare payments; child benefit cut by €10
There will be no cuts to weekly social welfare payments.
»newsflashWednesday 05 December, 2012 15:20:45
Jobs budget to be above half a billion
Minister Brendan Howlin said the Department of Jobs budget will be above half a billion euro and an additional €139m will be available for Enterprise Ireland.Wednesday 05 December, 2012 15:19:34
Additional €1bn in cuts to pay and pensions bill: Howlin
An additional €1bn in cuts to the pay and pensions bill must be achieved, Minister Brendan Howlin said.Wednesday 05 December, 2012 15:09:33
Increases in motor tax, VRT; petrol and diesel unchanged
There will be an increase across all catergories of motor tax and VRT. Wednesday 05 December, 2012 15:04:46
Beer, spirits, wine and tobacco all to rise in price
There will be an increase of 10c on a pint of beer or cider from midnight, a hike of 10c on a measure of spirits and a bottle of wine will be €1 extra.Wednesday 05 December, 2012 15:02:52
Household charge to cease from January
The household charge will cease from January 2013.Wednesday 05 December, 2012 14:57:01
Property tax of 0.18% in effect from July
The property tax will be in effect from July 1 2013, Minister Noonan said.Wednesday 05 December, 2012 14:53:45
Noonan increases minimum annual PRSI contributions for self-employed
Minister Michael Noonan has abolished the weekly PRSI allowance for workers, increasing the minimum level of annual contribution from the self-employed from €253 to €500.
»newsflashWednesday 05 December, 2012 14:48:19
New deficit to be 8.2%; Minister announces pension tax relief plans
Ireland's new estimate deficit will be 8.2% - well inside the 8.6% limit in the Troika agreement, Minister Noonan said.Wednesday 05 December, 2012 14:40:27
Noonan: Lower VAT rate to remain in 2013; mortgage interest relief measure to end
Minister Michael Noonan has confirmed the lower 9% VAT rate is to remain for 2013.
»newsflashWednesday 05 December, 2012 14:32:28
Noonan announces '10 point tax plan' for SMEs; interrupted mid-sentence by FF's McGrath
Minister Michael Noonan is bringing forward a 10 point tax plan for Small and Medium Enterprises.
»newsflashWednesday 05 December, 2012 14:30:54
Noonan: It's a good day for taking stock
Minister Michael Noonan is on his feet and has started delivering his speech for Budget 2013.Wednesday 05 December, 2012 13:54:08
Kenny pledges to look after vulnerable
As Ireland braces itself for its sixth austerity budget since the economic crisis began, Taoiseach Enda Kenny has pledged to protect frontline services and the vulnerable. Wednesday 05 December, 2012 12:39:28
Kenny: Raising income tax the only alternative to property tax
Taoiseach Enda Kenny said today that the only alternative to the property tax in today's Budget is to increase income tax.Wednesday 05 December, 2012 12:33:22
Noonan: 'Loads of good things' in Budget
Finance Minister Michael Noonan has said that there will be "loads of good things" in today's Budget.Wednesday 05 December, 2012 11:08:50
Small drop in numbers signing on
There were 1,500 less people signing on the Live Register on seasonally-adjusted basis in November 2012, official figures revealed today.Wednesday 05 December, 2012 10:06:57
Labour Party Chairman refuses to rule out voting against Budget
Labour Party Chairman Colm Keaveney has not ruled out voting against today's Budget. Wednesday 05 December, 2012 08:54:11
IBEC: Budget must not increase cost of employing people
Employers group IBEC is today urging the Government not to introduce any measures in the Budget which would increase the cost of doing business.Wednesday 05 December, 2012 08:23:40
People will boycott any property tax, says Coppinger
Campaigners have warned today that if a property tax is introduced in today's Budget, it will be boycotted in the same way that hundreds of thousands of people boycotted the Household Charge.Wednesday 05 December, 2012 07:09:06
Ministers work late into the night to finalise Budget
Finance Minister Michael Noonan and Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin made the final, official sign-off on cuts and tax hikes last night.Wednesday 05 December, 2012 07:04:39
Country braced for austerity Budget
Ireland is today bracing itself for its sixth austerity Budget in four years. Tuesday 04 December, 2012 18:07:11
Taoiseach: Budget 'as fair as possible'
As Ireland braces itself for its sixth austerity Budget in four years, Taoiseach Enda Kenny gave one last assurance it will be as fair and affordable as possible.Tuesday 04 December, 2012 17:28:13
Tax revenues below target as Budget looms
Tax revenues have fallen behind target, it has been revealed, as Finance Minister Michael Noonan prepares to present Budget 2013 tomorrow.Tuesday 04 December, 2012 15:13:45
Varadkar: Tomorrow's Budget 'not as tough' as those in recent years
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar has said that tomorrow's Budget is "not going to be the toughest" compared to previous years.Tuesday 04 December, 2012 14:27:12
Payment of promissory notes is 'insanity', says Trinity finance expert
Finance expert Brian Lucey is describing as "insanity" the payment of €3.1bn for the Anglo promissory notes in March 2013, nearly the equivalent of the removal from the economy of €3.5bn in tomorrow's budget.Tuesday 04 December, 2012 13:53:58
Harsh medicine for health service users after Budget, claims FF
Fianna Fáil says the failure of the Health Minister James Reilly to attract the support of his cabinet colleagues will lead to some harsh medicine for health service users in tomorrow's budget.Tuesday 04 December, 2012 10:03:12
Gilmore: Budget will put end of austerity in sight
An end to crippling tax hikes and tough spending cuts will be nearly in sight following the Budget, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore claimed today.Tuesday 04 December, 2012 09:21:12
Quinn satisfied with education cuts
The Minister for Education says he is satisfied with the cuts he has made in his own department.Tuesday 04 December, 2012 08:29:56
Chambers Ireland urge government not to tax employment
Don't tax employment on budget day.Tuesday 04 December, 2012 07:16:56
Car tax cost may surpass €500 per annum
The cost of taxing the family car could soon top €500 a year.Monday 03 December, 2012 16:55:32
Ministers pledge support for under-pressure Health Minister Reilly
Government Ministers have insisted their embattled Cabinet colleague James Reilly has full support from the Coalition despite rumours of a rift.Monday 03 December, 2012 12:22:33
Consumer sentiment rise in November
New figures have today shown a rise in consumer sentiment.Monday 03 December, 2012 11:23:23
Sports Minister Ring defends grant to local soccer club
The Minister for Sport has defended a decision to give his local soccer club a €200,000 grant.Monday 03 December, 2012 08:23:29
IBEC: Any new costs for business will cost jobs
IBEC has warned the Government that any hike in costs to employers in Budget 2013 will force more companies out of business.Monday 03 December, 2012 02:09:21
Varadkar: Everyone will find this budget difficult
With just over two days to go until Budget Day, a senior Government Minister has revealed that core social welfare payments and income tax will not be touched in next year's budget. Sunday 02 December, 2012 19:43:21
Government to invest €26 million in local sports projects
There has been some good news for sports today - with the announcement that the government is to invest €26 million in local sports projects across the country. Sunday 02 December, 2012 15:26:38
Varadkar: Property taxes are 'a good idea'
The Transport Minister Leo Varadkar has said the Property Tax is a good idea.Sunday 02 December, 2012 12:43:19
SF: Martin engaging in 'cynical opportunism'
Sinn Féin TD Jonathan O’Brien has accused Micheál Martin of "cynical opportunism" in opposing the Property Tax which his party promised to introduce in its four-year plan for Government.Sunday 02 December, 2012 11:24:07
Varadkar: Coalition has agreed Budget
The Transport Minister Leo Varadkar has said the Coalition has reached agreement on next year's Budget.Sunday 02 December, 2012 09:57:23
FF urge Govt to drop Property Tax measure
As the Cabinet puts the finishing touches to the Budget, Fianna Fáil is making a last ditch plea to the Government not to introduce a Property Tax next year.Saturday 01 December, 2012 18:54:04
Figures show €210m shortfall in November tax take
New figures released by the Department of Finance this evening show that the Government's tax take is €210m below target for November.Saturday 01 December, 2012 18:04:39
Poll shows fall for FG; support for tax rise on €100k-plus earnings
A new opinion poll suggests a significant drop in support for Fine Gael in the past month as the abortion controversy rolled on.Saturday 01 December, 2012 16:02:09
Gilmore: No easy decisions in Budget talks
Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has said that difficult decisions will be made in relation to the Budget but he is hopeful that people will understand.Saturday 01 December, 2012 13:56:09
Burton: Health remains sticking point in Budget talks
Social Protection Minister Joan Burton has said that the remaining sticking points in Budget negotiations relate to health, and not cuts to her department.Saturday 01 December, 2012 12:40:22
Limerick campaigners to protest against austerity and property tax
A protest against austerity and the property tax march will take place in Limerick this lunchtime.Saturday 01 December, 2012 09:34:14
FDII: Sugar tax unfair on hard-pressed consumers
A body representing the food and beverage sector is warning the government not to introduce Budget measures that will add to the cost of the weekly household shop.Saturday 01 December, 2012 08:35:26
Tax revenue €210m below target ahead of Budget
The Department of Finance has released its estimates for receipts and expenditure for 2013 , ahead of Budget Day next Wednesday.Friday 30 November, 2012 15:08:30
Budget 'must not add to cost of weekly shop'
The Food and Drink sector has warned that measures in the Budget that increase grocery prices will damage prospects for recovery in the domestic economy and put jobs at risk.Friday 30 November, 2012 13:03:55
Doherty: Coalition are 'going after children'
Sinn Féin says the latest budget leaks about cuts to child benefit shows the coalition is "planning to go after children".Friday 30 November, 2012 11:30:11
Pub-owners seek 15% tax on alcohol sold in supermarkets
Vintners are calling for the introduction of a 15% tax on alcohol sold in supermarkets and off licences.Friday 30 November, 2012 10:43:50
Troika 'would have to agree' to rumoured €500m reduction in Budget cuts
The Troika would have to agree with any reduced savings target in the Budget, a former deputy director of the IMF has said.Friday 30 November, 2012 08:11:05
800 junior doctors threaten to exit health system in contracts row
More than 800 junior doctors have written to the Minister for Health James Reilly warning that they are prepared to exit the Irish healthcare system and work abroad due to the Minister's policies on consultants.Friday 30 November, 2012 07:14:58
Child benefit set for €10 cut, medical-card holder prescription charges to double: Leaks
Child benefit is to be cut by €10 in next week's Budget while bills for medical card holders are set to increase with a doubling of prescription charges to €1, according to leaks published this morning.Thursday 29 November, 2012 20:54:25
Calleary: Wrong time to introduce property tax
With less then a week to go until Budget Day, it is understood that the Cabinet is considering introducing a property tax which will be based on 0.2% of the value of the property. Thursday 29 November, 2012 18:10:21
Budget 'must not hit vulnerable', Catholic groups appeal
Social welfare and child benefit rates must be maintained before the deepening divisions in society are embedded, it was claimed.Thursday 29 November, 2012 17:08:24
Gilmore: Govt still finalising budget
The Tanaiste says the Government is still in the process of finalising next week's Budget.Thursday 29 November, 2012 14:33:55
Report shows 3% rise in number of corporate insolvencies
The total number of corporate insolvencies has increased slightly compared to last year.Thursday 29 November, 2012 14:15:54
Tánaiste accuses Sinn Féin of property tax hypocrisy
Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore has today accused Sinn Féin of hypocrisy in opposing property tax in the Republic while implementing it in the North.Thursday 29 November, 2012 13:25:51
Unemployment falls on annual basis for first time since downturn
The level of unemployment on an annual basis has fallen for the first time since the start of the economic downturn.Thursday 29 November, 2012 10:54:12
Noonan: Budget will be fair
The Finance Minister Michael Noonan has said next week's Budget will impact most on those who can afford it.Thursday 29 November, 2012 08:35:43
INMO: Low staffing putting patients in danger
Patients' lives are being put at risk because of the dangerous staffing levels in Irish hospitals, according to the nursing union, the INMO.Thursday 29 November, 2012 07:05:42
Study reveals low level of Irish nursing staff
New research shows Irish hospitals have significantly lower levels of nursing staff than British institutions.Thursday 29 November, 2012 06:59:35
Survey shows doubling of families in economic hardship
The number of families facing difficulties making ends meet has more than doubled in the last four years, according to the latest Growing Up in Ireland survey.Thursday 29 November, 2012 06:59:33
Report estimates average property tax of €315
Latest estimates are putting the average property tax facing householders at around €315.Wednesday 28 November, 2012 12:27:38
Doherty criticises secrecy around Ministers' 'laundry allowance'
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has defended a tax break for Ministers, despite promising to abolish it while in Opposition.Wednesday 28 November, 2012 11:38:55
Retail sales volume up 1.7% last month
The volume of retail sales increased by 1.7% in October 2012 when compared with September, official figures have revealed today.Wednesday 28 November, 2012 11:20:55
Education Minster apologises as children endure school with no heating
Education Minister Ruairi Quinn has today apologised to the children and parents at a Dublin school which has not been able to afford to fix its boiler for five weeks.Wednesday 28 November, 2012 11:10:38
Survey: 35% of parents use children's allowance as additional income
More than a third of parents in Ireland rely on their children's allowance as an additional source of income for their family, according to a survey released today.Wednesday 28 November, 2012 09:26:21
Cash-strapped school tells children to keep their coats on in class
A school in Dublin has been forced to tell children to leave their coats on in class - because the heating is broken.Wednesday 28 November, 2012 07:16:37
Cabinet meeting to discuss Budget cuts
Cabinet ministers will gather for a special budget meeting later today, with one week to go before the details are unveiled.Tuesday 27 November, 2012 10:52:15
Raise money through property tax, not income tax, urges money expert
A leading economic expert has said the Government should generate money through a property tax rather than through hiking income tax in next week's Budget.Tuesday 27 November, 2012 09:09:30
Proposal recommends cutting jobseekers' first-term benefit by three months
People on jobseekers' benefit could see their allowances cut in next week's Budget.Monday 26 November, 2012 12:41:36
Bruton determined to ensure 'fair' Budget
The Jobs and Enterprise Minister says the government is determined to ensure the Budget is compiled in a "fair fashion".Monday 26 November, 2012 07:24:10
Retail Ireland urges Govt to slash spending in Budget
The employers group which represents the retail sector has said the Government should focus on boosting the domestic economy in next month's Budget.Saturday 24 November, 2012 15:47:01
CIF: Govt must boost property market
The Director General of the Construction Industry Federation Tom Parlon has said it is vital that the Government bring in measures in December's Budget which will incentivise people to buy new homes.Saturday 24 November, 2012 09:07:12
Thousands expected for anti-austerity march in Dublin
Gardaí will be out in force today as anti-austerity campaigners predict up to 50,000 people will take part in a pre-Budget march in Dublin.Thursday 22 November, 2012 15:11:01
FF proposes tax on salty foods, prescriptions charge
Fianna Fáil has proposed a number of new taxes in an alternative budget - but says it would not introduce a property tax.Wednesday 21 November, 2012 18:02:51
Taoiseach opens homeless centre amid warning of rise in demand
As Taoiseach Enda Kenny today formally opened a new centre for homeless people today, its chief executive warned there has been a huge increase in demand in recent months.Wednesday 21 November, 2012 17:27:19
Minister confirms €400m bailout for Department of Health
The Government is to give hundreds of millions of extra money to the Department of Health to deal with overspending, it was confirmed today.Wednesday 21 November, 2012 15:31:54
Thousands march to Dáil to demand greater disability rights
People with disabilities are being ignored and isolated, and bear an unfair brunt of economic cutbacks, campaigners claimed today.Wednesday 21 November, 2012 15:13:43
Howlin: 'Very difficult' to avoid Budget impacting on vulnerable people
Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin has warned that it will be "very difficult" to frame this year's Budget to avoid impacting vulnerable people.Tuesday 20 November, 2012 14:20:13
SF proposes new income tax for earnings over €100k
High-earning public sector workers would be hit with a €100,000 pay cap under Budget plans unveiled by Sinn Féin.Tuesday 20 November, 2012 13:29:44
Charity groups warn over social services
A group of seven charity networks and federations are warning that public and social services are beyond sustainable.Tuesday 20 November, 2012 11:26:22
Changes to sick pay system 'would cripple childcare sector'
Early Childhood Ireland has said that the introduction of a statutory sick pay scheme will result in job losses.Tuesday 20 November, 2012 10:56:39
Age Action warns of backlash if Government meddles with medical card
Older people will today deliver a clear message to the Government to stay away from their medical cards in the Budget.Tuesday 20 November, 2012 09:03:17
SF wants €100,000 salary cap in public service
Sinn Féin is proposing an emergency cap of €100,000 be imposed across the public service for three years.Tuesday 20 November, 2012 07:28:44
Government TD dismisses tax-on-wealth proposal
A tax on wealth would hinder Ireland's economic recovery by driving money out of the country, according to Fine Gael TD Pascal Donohue.Monday 19 November, 2012 13:30:00
Campaigners organise protest in Dublin against austerity measures
Up to 10,000 people are expected to take to the streets of Dublin in a weekend protest march against Government austerity measures.Monday 19 November, 2012 10:33:27
Restaurants Association highlights shortage of chefs
The shortage of chefs in Ireland has reached crisis levels and is having an impact on the tourism industry, according to the Restaurants Association.Thursday 15 November, 2012 22:01:51
Noonan: Government will not have to introduce tougher budget than expected
The Finance Minister has confirmed that the government will not have to introduce a tougher than expected budget next month - despite a projected reduction in economic growth next year. Wednesday 14 November, 2012 14:46:05
Smokers' group: High taxation on cigarettes 'not working'
The Government should cut the price of a packet of cigarettes by €1 in next month’s budget, say campaigners.Wednesday 14 November, 2012 11:36:47
Barnardos wants Budget to protect child income supports
Barnardos has said any cuts to child benefit should be brought in on a phased basis.Tuesday 13 November, 2012 14:54:00
Minister targeting travel pass 'fraud' for Budget cuts
Social Protection Minister Joan Burton has confirmed the free travel scheme for pensioners is, like all expenditure, being reviewed for Budget cuts.Wednesday 07 November, 2012 18:26:53
Dept. of Finance secretary Moran won't rule out tougher than planned budget
The Secretary General of the Department of Finance has left open the possibility of a tougher than planned budget because we will have to downgrade growth prospects for this year and next.Tuesday 06 November, 2012 08:08:54
Rent supplement cuts 'making people homeless'
Homeless charity Focus Ireland has said that cuts to rent supplements are forcing people on to the streets.Monday 05 November, 2012 11:24:45
Unions plan major pre-Budget demonstration
Trade union leaders are today urging people to take to streets at the end of the month to march against the Government's austerity policies.Sunday 04 November, 2012 16:30:24
Minister confirms Howlin reviewing TDs' pay and perks
The Junior Finance Minister Brian Hayes has confirmed that the Minister for Public Expenditure Brendan Howlin is reviewing Ministers' salaries and perks ahead of December's Budget.Saturday 03 November, 2012 09:52:03
Parents Against Child Benefit Cuts to protest outside Dáil
A group campaigning against the proposed cuts to child benefit will take to the streets today to call on the Government not to make any further cuts in the upcoming Budget.Friday 02 November, 2012 07:21:53
Budget 'could be tipping point for some families'
Government is being warned today that December's Budget could be the tipping point for some families between having a home and being homeless.Thursday 01 November, 2012 11:41:37
More medicines without prescription would cut health bill, say pharmacists
Pharmacists claimed today that making more medicines available without prescription will save the Government money and improve health outcomes for patients.Tuesday 30 October, 2012 10:42:48
Govt looks at JobBridge incentives for employers
The Government is reported to be looking at two possible options to incentivise employers to hold onto interns and people on the live register.Tuesday 30 October, 2012 08:23:49
Rumours of new business costs 'affecting employment': IBEC
Budget kite-flying is putting businesses off hiring staff, according to the latest Business Sentiment Survey from IBEC.Tuesday 30 October, 2012 08:08:37
CIF calls for mortgage targets and 'property-tax holidays'
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) is pressing the Government to bring in mortgage targets for banks each year.Thursday 25 October, 2012 13:44:17
SVP: Some people 'simply cannot afford food'
The Society of the St Vincent de Paul is helping 8,000 families every week and is seeing increasing numbers of people seeking food.Sunday 21 October, 2012 13:09:48
Burton: My approach is to protect core benefits in Budget
The Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton has said it is her intention not to cut core social welfare payments in December's Budget.Wednesday 17 October, 2012 18:05:43
Demonstrators march to Dáil to protest home-help cuts
Home help workers whose hours have been slashed in budget cuts have warned the move threatens the welfare of the elderly and disabled.Monday 15 October, 2012 16:43:48
Party TDs support our Budget stance, claim Labour rebels
Labour rebels claim to have support in the parliamentary party for their calls for a wealth tax in the budget.Friday 12 October, 2012 18:33:59
Burton: No cuts in 'core' social welfare rates
The Minister for Social Protection has confirmed that "core" social welfare rates will not be cut in December's Budget.Saturday 29 September, 2012 10:58:19
Hayes: Ministerial pensions to be reviewed before December
The Junior Finance Minister has said the current pension scheme will be reviewed and discussed carefully ahead of December's budget.Thursday 27 September, 2012 12:17:20
ESRI urges Govt to leave PRSI untouched in Budget
The ESRI has cautioned the Government against increasing PRSI contributions in the Budget.Monday 17 September, 2012 15:15:59
SF and FF pledge opposition to pensioner cut-backs in Budget
Both opposition parties have vowed to fight any government plans to target pensioners in the Budget.Monday 17 September, 2012 13:32:01
Martin: Hayes comments on pensioners 'careless'
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has today said that the recent remarks by Junior Finance Minister Brian Hayes, suggesting that some elderly people be taxed more, had been "careless".Monday 17 September, 2012 13:16:25
Budget speculation 'unhelpful', says Tánaiste
Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has warned the Coalition about needlessly worrying older people as the Government starts to weigh up Budget options.