Summary Update – Expenditure and Social Protection

Brendan Howlin speech contained some interesting and unexpected points

1) Introduction of a Public Private partnership scheme for providing social programmes. The first pilot programme is to provide homes for homeless people in Dublin. This needs more detail but is an interesting development.

2) PPP to work on insulation and development of poorly finished homes around the country.

3) National Pension Reserve Fund to change its focus to Ireland and invest in Irish projects. €6.4bn in the fund.

4) Proceeds of National Lottery Licence sale will be used across a range of social, cultural and sports initiatives. €200m total.

5) €10m to be allocated to an unfinished houses scheme.

6) Cuts to Jobseekers allowance for those under 25. Reduced rate now €144p.w. Education and Training fund remains at €160 to encourage young people into this area rather than flat welfare payments.

7) Free GP care for Children under 5. First step towards free GP care for all. A nice give away to keep Labour happy!

8) Discontinue telephone which is part of Household Benefits package.

9) Illness benefit period increased from 3 to 6 days.

10) No reduction to basic welfare and child benefit rates.

11) No change to weekly fuel payments.

12) Standardised Maternity Benefit  at €230.

*image kindly provided by www.businessandfinance.com.