‘They could have been more creative’
STUDENT Reuben Murray is disappointed that Finance
Minister Paschal Donohoe did not announce more in Budget 2023 to help those in third-level education.
Reuben (20), who is studying government and political science at University College
Cork, fears that lowincome students were let down.
He said: “The renters’ tax credit is good, but a lot of students are not allowed to work enough to qualify for it, while the cut to third-level fees doesn’t really help low-income students on [student grant awarding authority] SUSI.
“The measure only helps wealthier families, which is disappointing.
“Some students don’t fall under social welfare but also they can’t work a lot.
“It’s very challenging.
“I was also disappointed that there wasn’t more for transport and accommodation is such a big issue. “Expensive accommodation is easy to find but rates for students who are finding it financially difficult are not being helped.
“We needed more help with student accommodation in this Budget.
“This was not an austerity Budget, there have been positive welfare measures, but they could have been more creative.
“I give it 6/10.”
PARENT Linda O’Sullivan rated Budget 2023 as “positive” and the “best in years” but she was adamant to stress that households will need more help next year. Mum-of-two Linda (34), from Finglas in Dublin, works as a special needs assistant in a school.
She was delighted by the pledges to reduce classroom sizes to 23 and scrap primary school book fees.
She also said the €600 payment to offset rising electricity bills, the increase in the top tax band rate, extra Child Benefit payments, the extension of GP visit cards, removing hospital fees for all under 16s and extending the period of reduced tickets costs on public transport were a plus.
But she said: “There are several measures that are all very welcome and will help me now with my six-year-old and 12-year-old.
“We live in Dublin and use Dublin Bus and there is definitely help in the Budget with transporting the kids to school.
“They say it is a giveaway Budget and hopefully the Government is showing that it is listening to people.
“The rise in some payments is good news, but there is always room for improvement and we know that inflation is going to continue to rise.
“January is always painful. “It’s all well and good now for Christmas, but we will have to see how we do in the new year.
“Overall, it was positive so I will give the Budget a score of 7/10.”