Taoiseach: Tough budgets 'part of the plan' - and it's working
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has told the Irish people that he knows recent Budgets have been difficult, but were all "part of the plan" to bring the economy "back on track".
Kenny's budget message was been released online by the Government Information Service just after the conclusion of Budget speeches from Ministers Michael Noonan and Brendan Howlin.
"I know that the last three budgets were very hard for you and your families. But they were part of the plan to get Ireland back on track and to get our people back to work, and that plan is working," he said.
"I know that for many of you watching tonight, Ireland's recovery is still a headline, something you have yet to feel in your life day to day."
"We will never repeat the economic mistakes of the past, because we know how precious the hard-won recovery is."
"Like you, the Government is impatient for full employment - when we achieve that, we will mind it … that's my commitment to you."
Increases in child benefit, a partial restoration of the Christmas bonus scheme, changes to the entry level of the Universal Social Charge and two new USC rates for higher earners and the self employed were amond the measures announced in the bdudget.
