Mayo Fine Gael TD Deputy Michelle Mulherin has said that Budget 2014 will protect middle and lower income families and hailed the announcement in this week’s Budget that free GP care will be provided to all children aged five and under.
“It is clear to me that Budget 2014 will help hard pressed middle and lower income families in Mayo. Child benefit and class sizes have been protected, and all families with children aged five and under will now have free GP cards. A home incentive scheme will also allow families to improve their homes and claim back the VAT paid.”
Deputy Mulherin said: “Free GP care for children aged five and under will be a significant boost to families with young children. This Government is committed to the delivery of universal health insurance and the rollout of free GP care to all children under five is a key component of this. Prior to today’s announcement, 43 per cent of Irish people were covered by free GP care. This is more than at any stage in the history of the State.
“The home renovation tax incentive scheme will mean that people will get the VAT of 13.5 per cent back on extensions and renovations to their homes. The VAT will be returned on amounts over €5,000 and under €30,000. This will enable people to make improvements to their family homes and generate employment for people in the hard hit construction sector.”
