Clare charities, carers and pensioners believe the Government has more to do to provide meaningful long-term supports following Budget 2025.
The people of Clare giving a mixed reaction to the latest budget on the streets of Newmarket-On-Fergus and Ennis.
There was significant benefits for carers, who saw their means testing income disregard increased to €625 for a single person and €1,250 for a couple, while carer’s tax credits were boosted by €150 and blind tax credits jumped by €300.
Deborah Kett from Crusheen, who cares for her daughter with Cystic Fibrosis, says while the payments are timely, more permanent supports are needed.
The Clare Branch of Saint Vincent De Paul is calling for the threshold for accessing the fuel allowance to be widened.
A €400 lump sum working family payment will also be paid this Winter, while the minimum wage rose to €13.50 an hour and will apply from January 1st.
Clare SVP President Denis Carty insists there are positives in the Budget, but believes many struggling families will still be locked out of better supports available to others.
A Clare member of Active Retirement Ireland meanwhile, believes the Government has failed to meet a previous commitment to benchmark the pension to 34% of average earnings.
Quin man Eugene Philips believes the €12 weekly increase announced is not sustainable.
You can listen to the full interview here:
