Tipperary TD says Budget health revelations of 'deep concern' to people in Premier County

What emerged over last weekend in terms of health spend is of "deep concern" to Labour and people in Tipperary, according to Tipperary TD Alan Kelly.

"It appears that there is no one steering the ship and advocating for patients and service users in the Department of Health," said.

It emerged at the weekend that the Department had not been given enough funding to provide all its services in this year's Budget.

"The recruitment freeze announced just three days after the Budget will have a huge impact on patient outcomes and for people in Tipperary. It is deeply cynical for the Budget to be announced on Tuesday and such a backward step announced on Friday," he said.

Deputy Kelly maintained the Budget showed a "total lack of vision from this conservative coalition".

He said that instead of addressing the challenges in health, housing and care that the country faced, this Government had chosen to give minor tax cuts, none of which will have a positive impact on working families.

"We need to build homes, invest in public childcare, get to grips with the climate catastrophe, fix the health service, and build a better, more sustainable future. This Budget doesn't do that," said the Nenagh TD.

He said that in his party's alternative Budget, Labour called for the introduction of an Emergency Empty Homes fund which would tackle the widespread vacancy and dereliction in Tipperary.

“Given that two-thirds of our young people have little to no hope of moving out of their family home or owning a place of their own, it’s outrageous to see the lack of meaningful measures to address this.

“Similarly, the tax break for landlords beggars belief. Renters are struggling in a totally unaffordable market. The meagre increase to the renters tax credit is simply a joke for renters in Tipperary, as it barely covers three weeks’ rent for people.

“Budget 2024 is a missed opportunity to build a better, more sustainable future for Ireland. The Irish Labour Party believes that we can build a country where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, but we need to invest in public services, tackle the climate crisis, and reduce inequality. Budget 2024 does not take us in that direction," he said.