29/04/2015
Spring Economic Statement A 'Bitter Disappointment' - FF
The government's Spring Economic Statement has been described as a "bitter disappointment to thousands of families", by Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Public Expenditure, Sean Fleming.
Deputy Fleming called the statement "a complete damp squid".
"It was built up as a major new departure but the Spring Statement amounted to nothing more than a rehash of previous reports and announcements," Deputy Fleming said.
"Essentially two ministers spent an hour saying what could have been said in a matter of minutes. Dáil business is being set aside for a week to provide a platform for self-congratulation by the government. It is a long way from the democratic revolution promised by FG / Lab.
"Fianna Fáil’s core belief is that spending on public services such as education, health, social protection and childcare is progressive in nature as it benefits everyone in society but particularly those on lower income. However there was no substantial proposal to deal with over 400,000 people on hospital waiting lists, the chronic shortage of beds under the Fair Deal scheme or overcrowded classrooms.
"It is interesting that the Government have also produced forecasts which demonstrate that a balanced budget can be achieved in 2018 even with Irish Water on the state’s book. This is in sharp contrast to the apocalyptic predictions of a 4% rise in tax rates if Irish Water did not pass the market corporation test."
(MH/CD)
Deputy Fleming called the statement "a complete damp squid".
"It was built up as a major new departure but the Spring Statement amounted to nothing more than a rehash of previous reports and announcements," Deputy Fleming said.
"Essentially two ministers spent an hour saying what could have been said in a matter of minutes. Dáil business is being set aside for a week to provide a platform for self-congratulation by the government. It is a long way from the democratic revolution promised by FG / Lab.
"Fianna Fáil’s core belief is that spending on public services such as education, health, social protection and childcare is progressive in nature as it benefits everyone in society but particularly those on lower income. However there was no substantial proposal to deal with over 400,000 people on hospital waiting lists, the chronic shortage of beds under the Fair Deal scheme or overcrowded classrooms.
"It is interesting that the Government have also produced forecasts which demonstrate that a balanced budget can be achieved in 2018 even with Irish Water on the state’s book. This is in sharp contrast to the apocalyptic predictions of a 4% rise in tax rates if Irish Water did not pass the market corporation test."
(MH/CD)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 October 2024
Boil Water Notice Still In Place In Limerick
The boil water notice issued to Uisce Eireann customers supplied by the Cappamore Foileen Public Water Supply remains in effect. This notice, which was first issued on 26 September 2023 as a precautionary measure to protect the health of approximately 2,300 customers, was put in place due to the detection of cryptosporidium in the water supply.
Boil Water Notice Still In Place In Limerick
The boil water notice issued to Uisce Eireann customers supplied by the Cappamore Foileen Public Water Supply remains in effect. This notice, which was first issued on 26 September 2023 as a precautionary measure to protect the health of approximately 2,300 customers, was put in place due to the detection of cryptosporidium in the water supply.
18 October 2024
Water Supply Remains Up To Standard
Uisce Éireann has reassured customers supplied by the Vartry Water Treatment Plant in parts of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and North Wicklow that their drinking water continues to meet regulatory standards.
Water Supply Remains Up To Standard
Uisce Éireann has reassured customers supplied by the Vartry Water Treatment Plant in parts of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and North Wicklow that their drinking water continues to meet regulatory standards.
16 October 2024
Sinn Féin Expresses Concern At Record Highs Of Energy Debt
Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin, Lynn Boylan, has said the "government policy is failing miserably" after figures released by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) show there have never been more electricity and gas customers in debt.
Sinn Féin Expresses Concern At Record Highs Of Energy Debt
Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin, Lynn Boylan, has said the "government policy is failing miserably" after figures released by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) show there have never been more electricity and gas customers in debt.
20 June 2016
Govt Criticised Over Mortgage Interest Supplement Scheme Wind Down
The Government has been criticised for continuing to wind down the Mortgage Interest Supplement scheme, by Fianna Fáil TD for Laois, Sean Fleming. "This scheme plays a vital role in helping families meet their mortgage repayments following a serious change in their financial situation.
Govt Criticised Over Mortgage Interest Supplement Scheme Wind Down
The Government has been criticised for continuing to wind down the Mortgage Interest Supplement scheme, by Fianna Fáil TD for Laois, Sean Fleming. "This scheme plays a vital role in helping families meet their mortgage repayments following a serious change in their financial situation.
02 July 2012
Call For Nursing Vacancies To Be Filled
The HSE should immediately fill the 75 nursing vacancies in the hospitals in Portlaoise, Mullingar and Tullamore, according to Fianna Fail. Deputy Fleming said the HSE is losing money hand over fist by paying for all this work to be carried out on an agency basis.
Call For Nursing Vacancies To Be Filled
The HSE should immediately fill the 75 nursing vacancies in the hospitals in Portlaoise, Mullingar and Tullamore, according to Fianna Fail. Deputy Fleming said the HSE is losing money hand over fist by paying for all this work to be carried out on an agency basis.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Mostly cloudy but largely dry, perhaps the odd spot of drizzle over the hills. Best chance of any brightness across the north and west through the afternoon. A mild day. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:Staying mostly cloudy but largely dry, perhaps the odd spot of drizzle over the hills. Perhaps some clearer spells across the north and west. Minimum temperature 12 °C.