Budget 2025 to be presented this afternoon

THE Budget for 2025 will be announced this afternoon.

This budget is said to be one of the biggest budgets in the history of the State.

This is Jack Chambers’ first budget as Finance Minister and the last of this coalition.

Minister Chambers will speak at 1pm while the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, will speak at 1.45pm.

What we know so far:

-An unprecedented social welfare package is highlighted by €1.5b in one-off payments. This will include two double social welfare payments and two double Child Benefit payments by Christmas.

-A new pensioners pass allowing over-70s to bring a friend with them for free on public transport.

-Core social welfare rates will rise by €12 a week.

-Electricity credits totalling €250 will be paid in November and December.

-The budget will also include free schoolbooks for all children.

-Fress Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) treatments.

-1,500 new SNAs.

-Up to 1,000 new gardaí.

-Universal Social Charge (USC) and income tax will be cut.

-VAT on the hospitality sector will remain at 13.5%.

-Duty will rise on cigarettes.

-There will be a new vaping tax.

-Alcohol will be left alone.

-Plans for the Apple tax money will also be revealed.

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