Minister positive ahead of Dáil return and upcoming budget

Sep 6, 2018

Minister Patrick O’Donovan TD believes progress has been made in key areas

Limerick TD Patrick O’Donovan, has spoken of his determination and commitment to best serve his constituents, ahead of the reconvening of the Dail. Speaking at the Fine Gael think in, in Galway today Minister O’Donovan said the main focus of the government was to deliver a balanced and fair budget. He also praised major progress in relation to housing in Limerick since the beginning of 2017.

He said: “Taoiseach Leo Varadkar made it clear, Fine Gael are committed to improving living standards. We as a government have already taken the lowest paid out of the income tax net altogether, now we will ensure that middle income earners will take home more of their hard-earned pay. As I have said many times before a major priority for me is reducing the threat posed by Brexit on the agricultural sector. As we saw last week there has been major advances regarding the Fair Deal Scheme.”

“I am delighted to reveal that since the beginning of 2017 there has been 746 newly built homes completed in Limerick. The number of new homes granted planning permission in Limerick, in the same period is 774. In the same period, 923 households have been supported through HAP and RAS. We have also made great strides in terms of the provision of social housing in the period of 2017 and the first quarter of 2018.”

“In total 317 new social housing homes have been delivered through, build, acquisition and long term leasing in Limerick. There are currently 66 social houses on site in Limerick and a further 653 social houses going through the various states of approval. I want the people of my region to know I am working tirelessly with colleagues to get the best possible deal for them.”

“While there is much to be positive about I was particularly pleased that the difference in the rate of income tax paid by those on average incomes was acknowledged. More balance is needed. Progress has been made, with the introduction of childcare subsidies, pre-school and paternity benefit. The Taoiseach also acknowledged the need to reduce the cost of childcare for more families.”

“As we enter the new sitting of the Dail I look forward to serving all the people of the Mid-West Region. I’m working towards more and more people feeling the recovery.”

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