Budget is an 'attack on rural Ireland' says Guirke

(Above) Deputy Johnny Guirke.

Budget 2021 is an “attack on rural Ireland”, according to Sinn Féin TD Johnny Guirke.

The Meath West deputy criticised the increase in carbon tax saying rural Ireland does not have the same transport opportunities as the big cities and it will “crucify the ordinary worker and family”.

“People living in my constituency have already contacted me saying they are frightened at today’s budget and the carbon taxes which will impact on their lives.

“Families and workers have already been hit hard in the pocket this year with loss of jobs, and the reduction in PUP last month but the rise in costs to petrol, diesel, heating oil, gas, coal and motor tax will only hurt the most vulnerable now.

“Families are now at their lowest point in life, with the lack of seats on school transport parents were left to drive their children to schools and then head to work in their car. Pensioner’s were also left behind today as the pension age remained, they seen no increases other than the cost of living.

“There was nothing for workers in childcare, nothing for carers benefit, Carers allowance or disability allowance. The VAT rate decrease from 13.5% to 9% for the hospitality sector is welcomed but does not serve all them right now as some remain closed.

“The government just don’t have a grip with reality when it comes to the ordinary family. Social housing with this government will never meet with demand, with just 593 extra homes due to be built on top of target. The €208 million towards HAP and other schemes will only benefit the landlords and developers. Nothing in the budget will help or protect the ordinary renters.

“With Christmas coming, families' health and wellbeing are now at a high risk and we must be ready for the storm that comes following the predicted economic tsunami,” he concluded.