Smokes are rising…
We’ve seen earlier that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar warned there would be no fireworks, no bonanza in today’s budget, although he did say that it would be the biggest health budget ever.
Workers look set to see a reduction in taxes while those on welfare will likely see increases in their weekly payments. While it’s unclear exactly how much this will affect people, Varadkar claims it will save the average family €500-€600 a year.
Alcohol will remain untouched in this year’s budget but a packet of 20 cigarettes will likely increase by 50c. It’s unclear at this stage whether there will also be an increase in other tobacco products as well.
Elsewhere, petrol and diesel are expected to remain the same .
As mentioned above, The Department of Health will receive their largest budget ever, but there’s further good news as prescription charges will also be reduced for everyone with a medical card under 70 (this aligns with the reduction for over 70s last year) according to The Irish Times.
While The Irish Independent are reporting a blow for homeowners as mortgage interest relief looks set to be cut in the budget.
The relief allows homeowners who bought during the inflated boom years to claim back tax on their mortgage interest payments.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
