Irish Minister for Finance Michael McGrath has said the creation of major multi-billion euro long-term investment funds in Budget 2024 represents a “fundamental reform in how we plan the management of public finances”.
Mr McGrath said: This government has taken action to manage the transition to a climate neutral and climate resilient society in the knowledge that it will have macroeconomic and fiscal implications.”Full employment, a growing economy, budget surpluses, a national debt that is falling, a population that is rising, and a plan to secure the future.
The Government estimates that the measure will benefit 165,000 mortgage holders at a cost of 125 million euro. This would see relief on rental income of 3,000 euro for 2024, 4,000 euro for 2025, and 5,000 euro for 2026 and 2027 at the standard rate – as long as landlords stay in the market for that full, four-year period. This could see landlords saving 600 euro in the first year, ultimately rising to 1,000 euro per year.Elsewhere in housing, the Help-to-Buy scheme is being extended to the end of 2025.
The Budget will see the temporary 1,000 euro reduction to the 3,000 euro student contribution to fees extended for a further year. The 4.76 billion euro for “exceptional challenges” includes 2.5 billion euro for measures like the education, welfare payments and accommodation for Ukrainian refugees; 1.3 billion euro for the ongoing Covid-19 response in Ireland; and 700 million euro for other responsive provisions under by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
He said the Government was spending more on public services and building more homes, more schools and better public transport. Opposition politicians immediately criticised the Government’s planning around housing, healthcare and tax policy.