theirishtimes--2020-10-13--Four-week lockdown to curb Covid-19 spiral mooted in North

Northern Ireland appears on the verge of a four-week lockdown to try to curb the spiralling increase in Covid-19 as seven more deaths and 863 cases of the virus were reported on Tuesday .
The Northern Executive met late on Tuesday night to discuss proposals that could see the hospitality industry shut down for four weeks and schools closed for two weeks , to include the one-week Halloween mid-term break .
The Executive met briefly at about 9.30pm on Tuesday night but then adjourned until about 11pm after the SDLP Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon complained that she and Alliance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shown the new lockdown proposals minutes before the meeting began .
The main proposals being considered , according to informed sources , were a four-week closure of pubs and restaurants and non-essential retail businesses , and a two-week shutdown of schools .
Ministers were deciding late on Tuesday night whether to convene a late-night session of the Assembly to present the new proposals or to call an Assembly meeting on Wednesday .
The latest figures bring the total number of coronavirus deaths in Northern Ireland since the start of the pandemic to 598 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 21,898 .
In the past seven days , 6,286 people were tested positive for coronavirus – almost 900 per day .
There are now 150 people in Northern Ireland hospitals being treated for Covid-19 , with 23 in intensive care units and 15 on ventilators .
By far the highest incidence of the disease is in the Derry and Strabane council area , which over the past week saw 970 cases per 100,000 of the population .
This is more than double the incidence of the next highest area , Belfast , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , followed by Mid-Ulster , with 401 cases per 100,000 .
The lowest number of cases is in the Mid and East Antrim council area – 95 cases per 100,000 , and Ards and North Down – 135 cases per 100,000 .
Against this rise in deaths and cases , the Northern Executive was due to meet on Tuesday afternoon to discuss imposing greater restrictions , but due to disagreement this was put back to late on Tuesday night .
Instead , according to sources , Ministers at Stormont sought to achieve a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formal meeting of the Executive to ratify the new proposals .
Sources said that the North ’ s chief medical and science officers , Dr Michael McBride and Prof Ian Young , had recommended an imminent four- to six-week lockdown period , with a further similar lockdown in the new year .
With the R number – the number of people to whom each infected person transmits the virus – between 1.3 and 1.8 , Dr McBride and Prof Young urged action to bring the number below one .
They argued , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this figure the hospitality sector should be severely restricted and/or schools closed for a period of up to six weeks .
They said the R number could not be brought below one if both sectors remained fully open , the sources added .
Sources said Sinn Féin was pushing for a more stringent lockdown , while the DUP wanted schools to remain open , and also had concerns about how stricter regulations would affect the economy .
In advance of the Executive meeting , First Minister and DUP leader Arlene Foster told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very concerned about the rise in transmission across Northern Ireland ” .
“ Whilst we of course have to halt the rise of Covid-19 , and that of course is something that we are all concerned about , it is important that we take a proportionate and balanced approach , ” she said .
“ Some people have said it is about health versus wealth – I think that is a completely false analysis .
Our own chief medical officer back in May this year made the point that poverty kills and unemployment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is a balancing act between making sure that we deal with Covid-19 but that we also try and protect our economy , that we try and protect our society as we know it and indeed family life as we know it .
So , these are huge decisions .
None of it is easy .
”

Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster has warned that the region will be in a "very difficult place" if Covid-19 rates do not fall as she announced a four-week lockdown.
There have been 1,217 new Covid-19 cases in Northern Ireland in the last 24-hour reporting period, the Department of Health there has announced.
It is the largest daily rise in cases in the North since an extended testing regime was introduced.
There were also a further four deaths reported on Wednesday, taking the toll recorded by the Department of Health to 602.
Hospital Report
Earlier on Wednesday the North's First Minister Arlene Foster said Northern Ireland is going into lockdown for four weeks, confirmed in the Stormont Assembly.
READ MORE
With the incidence of Covid-19 continuing to spiral upwards and with pressure on hospital beds, Ms Foster told Assembly members that the hospitality sector will shutdown for four weeks from Friday while schools will close for two weeks beginning Monday.
Takeaways and deliveries will be allowed but pubs and restaurants must close for a four-week period, said Ms Foster.
Off-licences and supermarkets will not be allowed to sell alcohol after 8pm.
Churches can remain open but attendance at weddings and civil partnerships will be limited to 25 people, and receptions will not be allowed. This will apply from Monday.
Funerals will be limited to 25 people with no gatherings before or after a service.
People will be advised not to undertake any “unnecessary travel”. No indoor sport of any kind or organised contact sports will be permitted other than at elite level.
Gyms may remain open for individual training only, while universities will be advised to provide “distance learning to the maximum extent possible”.
Ms Foster said the restrictions were designed to have two impacts. “Firstly, on the Covid transmission rates which must be turned down now, or we will be in a very difficult place very soon indeed,” she said.
“And secondly, we believe it marks a point where everyone, each and every one of us, can take stock and go back to the social distancing messaging. That is vitally important.”
Earlier, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar confirmed the Government was likely to consider increasing Covid-19 restrictions in the Border counties if the North entered a four-week lockdown.
Northern Ireland saw seven more deaths and 863 cases of the virus reported on Tuesday.
The Northern Executive met late on Tuesday night to discuss the lockdownproposals. The Executive met briefly at about 9.30pm but then adjourned until about 11pm after the SDLP Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon complained that she and Alliance leader and Minister for Justice Naomi Long were only shown the new lockdown proposals minutes before the meeting began.
The latest figures bring the total number of coronavirus deaths in Northern Ireland since the start of the pandemic to 598 and the total number of positive cases to 21,898. In the past seven days, 6,286 people were tested positive for coronavirus – almost 900 per day.
Intensive care
There are now 150 people in Northern Ireland hospitals being treated for Covid-19, with 23 in intensive care units and 15 on ventilators. By far the highest incidence of the disease is in the Derry and Strabane council area, which over the past week saw 970 cases per 100,000 of the population.
This is more than double the incidence of the next highest area, Belfast, which is experiencing 462 cases per 100,000, followed by Mid-Ulster, with 401 cases per 100,000. The lowest number of cases is in the Mid and East Antrim council area – 95 cases per 100,000, and Ards and North Down – 135 cases per 100,000.
Sources said that the North's chief medical and science officers, Dr Michael McBride and Prof Ian Young, had recommended an imminent four- to six-week lockdown period, with a further similar lockdown in the new year. With the R number – the number of people to whom each infected person transmits the virus – between 1.3 and 1.8, Dr McBride and Prof Young urged action to bring the number below one.
‘Severely restricted’
They argued, according to Stormont sources, that to achieve this figure the hospitality sector should be severely restricted and/or schools closed for a period of up to six weeks. They said the R number could not be brought below one if both sectors remained fully open, the sources added.
Sources said Sinn Féin was pushing for a more stringent lockdown, while the DUP wanted schools to remain open, and also had concerns about how stricter regulations would affect the economy. - Additional reporting PA


theirishtimes--2020-10-13--Ministers at Stormont seek a compromise set of restrictions

Ministerial talks were continuing late on Tuesday night at Stormont on formulating a response to the rising incidence of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland as seven more deaths and 863 cases of the virus were reported .
The latest figures bring the total number of coronavirus deaths since the start of the pandemic to 598 and the total number of positive cases to 21,898 .
In the past seven days 6,286 people tested positive for coronavirus , almost 900 a day .
There are now 150 people in Northern Ireland hospitals being treated for Covid-19 , with 23 in intensive care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far the highest incidence of the disease is in the Derry and Strabane council area which , over the past week , saw 970 cases per 100,000 of the population .
This is more than double the incidence of the next highest area , Belfast , which is experiencing 462 cases per 100,000 followed by mid-Ulster with 401 cases per 100,000 .
The lowest number of cases is in the mid and east Antrim council area – 95 cases per 100,000 – and Ards and north Down – 135 cases per 100,000 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Northern Executive was due to meet on Tuesday afternoon to discuss imposing greater restrictions , but due to disagreement this was put back to late on Tuesday night .
Instead , according to sources , Ministers at Stormont sought to achieve a compromise set of restrictions before calling a formal meeting of the Executive to ratify the new proposals .
Sources said the North ’ s chief medical and science officers , Dr Michael McBride and Prof Ian Young , had recommended an imminent four to six week lockdown period with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
With the R number – the number of people to whom each infected person transmits the virus – between 1.3 and 1.8 , Dr McBride and Prof Young urged action to bring the number below one .
They argued , according to Stormont sources , that to achieve this figure the hospitality sector should be severely restricted and/or schools closed for a period of up to six weeks .
They said the R number could not be brought below one if both sectors remained fully open , sources added .
Sources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more stringent lockdown while the DUP wanted schools to remain open , and that it also had concerns about how stricter regulations would affect the economy .
In advance of the Executive meeting , First Minister Arlene Foster told the Northern Assembly that Ministers were “ collectively very concerned about the rise in transmission across Northern Ireland ” .
“ Whilst we of course have to halt the rise of Covid-19 , and that of course is something that we are all concerned about , it is important that we take a proportionate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Some people have said it is about health versus wealth , I think that is a completely false analysis .
Our own chief medical officer back in May this year made the point that poverty kills and unemployment kills as well .
“ Therefore , it is a balancing act between making sure that we deal with Covid-19 but that we also try to protect our economy , that we try to protect our society as we know it and , indeed , family life as we know it .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of it is easy , ” she added .

First Minister Arlene Foster says it is a balancing act between making sure that ‘we deal with Covid-19 but that we also try to protect our economy’. Photograph: Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye/PA Wire
Ministerial talks were continuing late on Tuesday night at Stormont on formulating a response to the rising incidence of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland as seven more deaths and 863 cases of the virus were reported.
The latest figures bring the total number of coronavirus deaths since the start of the pandemic to 598 and the total number of positive cases to 21,898.
In the past seven days 6,286 people tested positive for coronavirus, almost 900 a day.
There are now 150 people in Northern Ireland hospitals being treated for Covid-19, with 23 in intensive care units and 15 on ventilators.
READ MORE
By far the highest incidence of the disease is in the Derry and Strabane council area which, over the past week, saw 970 cases per 100,000 of the population.
This is more than double the incidence of the next highest area, Belfast, which is experiencing 462 cases per 100,000 followed by mid-Ulster with 401 cases per 100,000.
The lowest number of cases is in the mid and east Antrim council area – 95 cases per 100,000 – and Ards and north Down – 135 cases per 100,000.
Disagreement
Against this rise in deaths and cases, the Northern Executive was due to meet on Tuesday afternoon to discuss imposing greater restrictions, but due to disagreement this was put back to late on Tuesday night.
Instead, according to sources, Ministers at Stormont sought to achieve a compromise set of restrictions before calling a formal meeting of the Executive to ratify the new proposals.
Sources said the North’s chief medical and science officers, Dr Michael McBride and Prof Ian Young, had recommended an imminent four to six week lockdown period with a further similar lockdown in the new year.
With the R number – the number of people to whom each infected person transmits the virus – between 1.3 and 1.8, Dr McBride and Prof Young urged action to bring the number below one.
They argued, according to Stormont sources, that to achieve this figure the hospitality sector should be severely restricted and/or schools closed for a period of up to six weeks.
They said the R number could not be brought below one if both sectors remained fully open, sources added.
Economic concerns
Sources said Sinn Féin was pushing for a more stringent lockdown while the DUP wanted schools to remain open, and that it also had concerns about how stricter regulations would affect the economy.
In advance of the Executive meeting, First Minister Arlene Foster told the Northern Assembly that Ministers were “collectively very concerned about the rise in transmission across Northern Ireland”.
“Whilst we of course have to halt the rise of Covid-19, and that of course is something that we are all concerned about, it is important that we take a proportionate and balanced approach,” she said.
“Some people have said it is about health versus wealth, I think that is a completely false analysis. Our own chief medical officer back in May this year made the point that poverty kills and unemployment kills as well.
“Therefore, it is a balancing act between making sure that we deal with Covid-19 but that we also try to protect our economy, that we try to protect our society as we know it and, indeed, family life as we know it. So, these are huge decisions. None of it is easy,” she added.


theirishtimes--2020-10-13--Budget 2021: €5.5bn set aside due to Covid-19 and Brexit uncertainty

The Government has set aside €5.5 billion across two different contingency funds due to the “ unbelievable uncertainty ” facing the State , Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said .
As part of a budgetary package of almost €18 billion , some €5.5 billion is being put aside in two separate funds – the recovery fund , at €3.4 billion , and a further €2.1 billion in contingency funding .
The extra funding will be used to top-up emergency wage supports , social welfare payments , Brexit schemes and health measures as needed , Mr Varadkar said on Tuesday evening .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion in contingency for health and social welfare , and €3.4 billion in contingency for Covid and Brexit is we don ’ t know what ’ s going to happen with the pandemic .
We don ’ t know when the second wave will end .
.
.
we don ’ t know if there ’ ll be a third wave , when it will start , how long it might go on for , ” he said .
“ We have to be in a position to make decisions like , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer period , making sure the wage subsidy scheme is there for as long as needed , maybe extending [ the Covid Restrictions Subsidy Scheme ] .
” Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said in his budget speech that the recovery fund “ will be targeted and will help stimulate increased domestic demand and employment ” .
It will focus on three main areas of infrastructure development , reskilling and retraining , and supporting investment and jobs .
He said it was “ a cornerstone of our continued economic response in 2021 ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be paid from the fund has already been approved for Mr Varadkar ’ s department , in order to help with Brexit preparedness .
The Tánaiste said the funding was needed even if there was a free trade agreement between the EU and the UK , but that if there was not “ then we will have to dip into the €3.4 billion , and we ’ ll have to do it long before the first of January , ” he said .
Using the lack of an agreement as an example for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ If you ’ re a beef farmer or a food exporter , and you ’ re going to face 40 per cent tariffs in 72 days ’ time , how do you prepare for that ?
They ’ re going to need State aid at that point , and that State aid will be forthcoming.
” Mr Varadkar said he had “ never seen a budget before where there was €5 billion put there as a contingency ” .
“ Why is it there ?
Because there is so much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of Brexit and Covid and we ’ ve set that aside in case we need to deploy it and we need to make those decisions , ” he said .
Speaking on Tuesday night , Mr Donohoe said the €3.4 billion would also support new economic supports if they were deemed necessary .
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath said that the intention was to spend the entirety of the recovery fund in the coming year .
“ We anticipate there will be needs in the economy through the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the €2.1 billion contingency fund related to expected health expenditure .
Mr Donohoe said the money in the recovery fund would be available regardless of the level of economic activity and how public health measures impacted business .
“ The €3.4 billion recovery fund that we ’ ve outlined is independent of whatever level of public health guidance we will be at as we move through 2021 , ” he said .

Minister for Enterprise Leo Varadkar: ‘There is so much unbelievable uncertainty facing Irish citizens and companies because of Brexit and Covid.’ Photograph: Tom Honan/Julien Behal Photography/PA Wire
The Government has set aside €5.5 billion across two different contingency funds due to the "unbelievable uncertainty" facing the State, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said.
As part of a budgetary package of almost €18 billion, some €5.5 billion is being put aside in two separate funds – the recovery fund, at €3.4 billion, and a further €2.1 billion in contingency funding.
The extra funding will be used to top-up emergency wage supports, social welfare payments, Brexit schemes and health measures as needed, Mr Varadkar said on Tuesday evening.
“The reason we set aside €2 billion in contingency for health and social welfare, and €3.4 billion in contingency for Covid and Brexit is we don’t know what’s going to happen with the pandemic. We don’t know when the second wave will end . . . we don’t know if there’ll be a third wave, when it will start, how long it might go on for,” he said.
READ MORE
“We have to be in a position to make decisions like, for example, extending the PUP for a longer period, making sure the wage subsidy scheme is there for as long as needed, maybe extending [the Covid Restrictions Subsidy Scheme].”
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said in his budget speech that the recovery fund "will be targeted and will help stimulate increased domestic demand and employment". It will focus on three main areas of infrastructure development, reskilling and retraining, and supporting investment and jobs. He said it was "a cornerstone of our continued economic response in 2021".
The first €100 million tranche to be paid from the fund has already been approved for Mr Varadkar’s department, in order to help with Brexit preparedness. The Tánaiste said the funding was needed even if there was a free trade agreement between the EU and the UK, but that if there was not “then we will have to dip into the €3.4 billion, and we’ll have to do it long before the first of January,” he said.
Using the lack of an agreement as an example for why funding might be needed, he said: “If you’re a beef farmer or a food exporter, and you’re going to face 40 per cent tariffs in 72 days’ time, how do you prepare for that? They’re going to need State aid at that point, and that State aid will be forthcoming.”
Mr Varadkar said he had “never seen a budget before where there was €5 billion put there as a contingency”.
“Why is it there? Because there is so much unbelievable uncertainty facing Irish citizens and companies because of Brexit and Covid and we’ve set that aside in case we need to deploy it and we need to make those decisions,” he said.
Speaking on Tuesday night, Mr Donohoe said the €3.4 billion would also support new economic supports if they were deemed necessary.
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath said that the intention was to spend the entirety of the recovery fund in the coming year. “We anticipate there will be needs in the economy through the next year.”
He said around €400 million of the €2.1 billion contingency fund related to expected health expenditure. Mr Donohoe said the money in the recovery fund would be available regardless of the level of economic activity and how public health measures impacted business.
“The €3.4 billion recovery fund that we’ve outlined is independent of whatever level of public health guidance we will be at as we move through 2021,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-10-13--Almost 80% of price of packet of cigarettes is tax and excise duty – Donnelly

Tax and excise duty accounts for almost 80 per cent of the price of a 20 pack of cigarettes , the Dáil has heard .
During a debate on the budget increase of 50c on a 20-pack of cigarettes to bring it to €14 , Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said that tax accounts for €10.97 of the price or 78.33 per cent of the total cost .
He said roll-your-own tobacco would increase by 70c to €19.40 as part of the budget provisions .
The Minister said Ireland is committed to a policy of high tax on tobacco , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” in cutting consumption .
In 2007 , 29 per cent of the population smoked but this was down to 14 per cent by 2019 .
Labour TD Duncan Smith asked at what point the effect of increased taxation was lost by the smuggling of tobacco products .
People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett said “ I don ’ t think people should be punished for an addiction they develop ” .
He added that the measure disproportionately affected lower income families .
His party opposed the tax hike but he did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the measure was passed .
The price increase takes effect from midnight .
Labour TD Brendan Howlin said there had to be “ some sense of finality to using pricing as a weapon ” to stop people smoking .
The Minister acknowledged that lower income families were most affected .
He also said that as well as pricing the Government had increased the funding of the State ’ s wellbeing agency Healthy Ireland by €20 million .
Mr Donnelly said of the tobacco taxation policy that the exchequer lost out on an estimated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cigarettes consumed in Ireland every year – 13 per cent illicit consumption and 9 per cent imported .
It was the equivalent of 13 million packs and accounted for a notional €242 million in tax foregone .

The price of a pack of 20 cigarettes has increased by 20 cent in the budget. File photograph: Eric Luke/ The Irish Times
Tax and excise duty accounts for almost 80 per cent of the price of a 20 pack of cigarettes, the Dáil has heard.
During a debate on the budget increase of 50c on a 20-pack of cigarettes to bring it to €14, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said that tax accounts for €10.97 of the price or 78.33 per cent of the total cost.
He said roll-your-own tobacco would increase by 70c to €19.40 as part of the budget provisions.
The Minister said Ireland is committed to a policy of high tax on tobacco, which he said was “very effective” in cutting consumption.
READ MORE
In 2007, 29 per cent of the population smoked but this was down to 14 per cent by 2019.
Labour TD Duncan Smith asked at what point the effect of increased taxation was lost by the smuggling of tobacco products.
People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett said "I don't think people should be punished for an addiction they develop". He added that the measure disproportionately affected lower income families.
His party opposed the tax hike but he did not put it to a vote and the measure was passed. The price increase takes effect from midnight.
Labour TD Brendan Howlin said there had to be "some sense of finality to using pricing as a weapon" to stop people smoking.
The Minister acknowledged that lower income families were most affected. He also said that as well as pricing the Government had increased the funding of the State’s wellbeing agency Healthy Ireland by €20 million.
Mr Donnelly said of the tobacco taxation policy that the exchequer lost out on an estimated 22 per cent of the 2.769 billion cigarettes consumed in Ireland every year – 13 per cent illicit consumption and 9 per cent imported.
It was the equivalent of 13 million packs and accounted for a notional €242 million in tax foregone.


theirishtimes--2020-10-13--Ryan defends reforming motor tax regime

Ryan defends reforming motor tax regime

Controversial changes in vehicle registration tax ( VRT ) had to be introduced under EU law , and “ reflect better rules ” in accurately determining carbon emissions arising from vehicles , according to Minister for Climate Action Eamon Ryan .
The Irish Car Carbon Reduction Alliance ( ICCRA ) , which represents the majority of new car dealers , said the VRT changes were “ anti-motorist , anti-rural and anti-climate ” , and would lead to higher carbon emissions , not less .
However , Mr Ryan said the Government took the advice of the Department of Finance ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motor tax regime .
He said “ price signals ” under the motor tax heading were just one element of the approach in decarbonising transport .
He did not agree that that the high cost of electric vehicles ( EVs ) and hybrids would persist and that combined with supply difficulties it meant the tax changes were coming at the wrong time .
“ I believe EV sales will soon sky rocket , ” said Mr Ryan .
Commenting on whether climate measures in Budget 2021 would achieve a 7 per cent annual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programme for government , the Minister said “ a lot of the work in that regard will come under the Climate Action Bill ” .
Major “ chunks ” would be delivered by ending coal use in Moneypoint power state and ending extraction of peat , but the next steps after that would not be as easy , notably achieving energy efficiency by retrofitting buildings and electrification of transport .
He said systemic change was necessary , and this would take time , which meant the major changes in emissions reduction would kick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Ryan said the Government was taking climate change “ really seriously ” .
This would be reflected in a different vision for transport and agriculture in a revised national development plan next year .
Car tax changes had to be combined with other changes – “ not all stick , it ’ s carrot too ” – including an enhanced capital budget for public transport and housing tied into land use planning , where there is a modal shift and less reliance on driving , especially in urban areas .
ICCRA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been hit with such sweeping tax rises , which he described as an unjust attack on the sector and the thousands of livelihoods it supports .
“ Today ’ s hikes are a disproportionate response given that cars account for just 12 per cent of the emissions in Ireland.
” Mr Murphy said changes in the VRT bands would mean price rises on many popular family models .
“ Penalising motorists for driving conventional cars is not going to lead to an increase in EVs .
Rather than incentivising the wide scale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , people are going to hold on to their current car for longer , resulting in hundreds of thousands of older less carbon-efficient models remaining on Irish roads for years to come.
” Despite a focus on public transport , the Government has also allocated €1.3 billion for national , regional and local roads , including €799 million for national road maintenance and renewal .
Meanwhile , funding has been allocated for work on the N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin , Sligo ; the N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom upgrade ; and the N5 Westport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signed on Tuesday to begin work on the N40/N25 Dunkettle interchange upgrade , scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024 .
Work on the M50 is also funded , along with improvement on the N56 Dungloe to Glenties in Co Donegal .

Minister for Climate Action Eamon Ryan insists changes to VRT “reflect better rules” in accurately determining carbon emissions from vehicles. File photograph: Lynne Cameron/PA Wire
Controversial changes in vehicle registration tax (VRT) had to be introduced under EU law, and "reflect better rules" in accurately determining carbon emissions arising from vehicles, according to Minister for Climate Action Eamon Ryan.
The Irish Car Carbon Reduction Alliance (ICCRA), which represents the majority of new car dealers, said the VRT changes were “anti-motorist, anti-rural and anti-climate”, and would lead to higher carbon emissions, not less.
However, Mr Ryan said the Government took the advice of the Department of Finance’s tax strategy group in reforming the motor tax regime.
He said “price signals” under the motor tax heading were just one element of the approach in decarbonising transport.
READ MORE
He did not agree that that the high cost of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids would persist and that combined with supply difficulties it meant the tax changes were coming at the wrong time. “I believe EV sales will soon sky rocket,” said Mr Ryan.
Commenting on whether climate measures in Budget 2021 would achieve a 7 per cent annual reduction in emissions as envisaged in the programme for government, the Minister said "a lot of the work in that regard will come under the Climate Action Bill".
Major “chunks” would be delivered by ending coal use in Moneypoint power state and ending extraction of peat, but the next steps after that would not be as easy, notably achieving energy efficiency by retrofitting buildings and electrification of transport.
He said systemic change was necessary, and this would take time, which meant the major changes in emissions reduction would kick closer to the end of the decade.
Development plan
Mr Ryan said the Government was taking climate change “really seriously”. This would be reflected in a different vision for transport and agriculture in a revised national development plan next year.
Car tax changes had to be combined with other changes – “not all stick, it’s carrot too” – including an enhanced capital budget for public transport and housing tied into land use planning, where there is a modal shift and less reliance on driving, especially in urban areas.
ICCRA spokesman Denis Murphy said no other sector has been hit with such sweeping tax rises, which he described as an unjust attack on the sector and the thousands of livelihoods it supports.
"Today's hikes are a disproportionate response given that cars account for just 12 per cent of the emissions in Ireland."
Mr Murphy said changes in the VRT bands would mean price rises on many popular family models.
“Penalising motorists for driving conventional cars is not going to lead to an increase in EVs. Rather than incentivising the wide scale adaption of newer, more carbon-efficient cars, people are going to hold on to their current car for longer, resulting in hundreds of thousands of older less carbon-efficient models remaining on Irish roads for years to come.”
Road maintenance
Despite a focus on public transport, the Government has also allocated €1.3 billion for national, regional and local roads, including €799 million for national road maintenance and renewal.
Meanwhile, funding has been allocated for work on the N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin, Sligo; the N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom upgrade; and the N5 Westport to Turlough road.
The contracts were signed on Tuesday to begin work on the N40/N25 Dunkettle interchange upgrade, scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024.
Work on the M50 is also funded, along with improvement on the N56 Dungloe to Glenties in Co Donegal.


theirishtimes--2020-10-13--Rural Ireland only got ‘a bob here and there’ in budget, Tóibín tells Dáil

A “ circuit breaker ” is needed to deal with Ireland ’ s lopsided regional development but rural Ireland only got “ a few bob here and there ” in the budget , Aontú TD Peadar Tóibín has said .
He also criticised a failure to provide a mechanism for seamless North-South co-operation , a need , he said , highlighted by Brexit and Covid-19 .
“ Resistance to all-Ireland co-operation costs lives .
Planning together , funding together and delivering together is the key .
Yet there is no mechanism to do this in the budget.
” Mr Tóibín @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the lopsided city state development of our island ” .
Opening the budget debate for the Independent TDs , he said : “ What we got is a few bob here and there for rural schemes , rural schemes that amount to nothing more than social welfare for rural Ireland , enough to survive but never enough for a vibrant regional balance.
” Independent TD Denis Naughten claimed there was no new provision for funding under the national broadband plan .
“ The spending announced today is spending I secured as minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
The Government has allocated €132 million to provide high-speed broadband to thousands of homes .
The Roscommon-Galway TD said “ there is no indication of any fast-tracking of the national broadband plan to isolated rural homes as had been promised in the programme for government ” .
He described budget expenditure as the equivalent of €3,600 for every man , woman and child in Ireland but “ I don ’ t get the impression that this money is being spent any differently than in the budget of last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Naughten said an inter-departmental commission was looking at “ hot desking ” of vacant desks in public buildings across the country for civil servants who are commuting into Dublin but there had been no movement on that 12 months later .
Independent Wexford TD Verona Murphy said “ throwing money at the HSE over many years does not seem to be resolving our fundamental capacity issues ” .
She said “ we wasted millions of euro renting private hospital capacity rather than using the money to bring the public hospital capacity up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been an issue for years and every budget day “ we hear headline figures of so many billions more for the HSE ” but it did not seem to resolving capacity issues .
Ms Murphy also criticised the Government ’ s approach to dealing with the virus .
She said closing large sectors of the economy “ every few weeks is unsustainable and has impacted particularly heavily on the hospitality and tourism sector ” .
The VAT reduction will not benefit a hospitality sector that is currently closed , she added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ budget for Dublin 4 ” as people in rural areas would be particularly hit by the increased car tax and VRT .
“ That hit is specifically to the people of rural Ireland , ” he claimed .

Peadar Tóibín: “What we got is a few bob here and there for rural schemes, rural schemes that amount to nothing more than social welfare for rural Ireland, enough to survive but never enough for a vibrant regional balance.” File photograph: Collins
A “circuit breaker” is needed to deal with Ireland’s lopsided regional development but rural Ireland only got “a few bob here and there” in the budget, Aontú TD Peadar Tóibín has said.
He also criticised a failure to provide a mechanism for seamless North-South co-operation, a need, he said, highlighted by Brexit and Covid-19.
“Resistance to all-Ireland co-operation costs lives. Planning together, funding together and delivering together is the key. Yet there is no mechanism to do this in the budget.”
Mr Tóibín said “we need a circuit breaker to the lopsided city state development of our island”.
READ MORE
Opening the budget debate for the Independent TDs, he said: “What we got is a few bob here and there for rural schemes, rural schemes that amount to nothing more than social welfare for rural Ireland, enough to survive but never enough for a vibrant regional balance.”
Independent TD Denis Naughten claimed there was no new provision for funding under the national broadband plan. "The spending announced today is spending I secured as minister for communications a number of years ago," he said.
The Government has allocated €132 million to provide high-speed broadband to thousands of homes.
The Roscommon-Galway TD said “there is no indication of any fast-tracking of the national broadband plan to isolated rural homes as had been promised in the programme for government”.
He described budget expenditure as the equivalent of €3,600 for every man, woman and child in Ireland but “I don’t get the impression that this money is being spent any differently than in the budget of last year or the year before”.
Mr Naughten said an inter-departmental commission was looking at “hot desking” of vacant desks in public buildings across the country for civil servants who are commuting into Dublin but there had been no movement on that 12 months later.
Healthcare
Independent Wexford TD Verona Murphy said "throwing money at the HSE over many years does not seem to be resolving our fundamental capacity issues". She said "we wasted millions of euro renting private hospital capacity rather than using the money to bring the public hospital capacity up to scratch".
She said it had been an issue for years and every budget day “we hear headline figures of so many billions more for the HSE” but it did not seem to resolving capacity issues.
Ms Murphy also criticised the Government’s approach to dealing with the virus. She said closing large sectors of the economy “every few weeks is unsustainable and has impacted particularly heavily on the hospitality and tourism sector”.
The VAT reduction will not benefit a hospitality sector that is currently closed, she added.
Independent TD Michael Collins said it was a "budget for Dublin 4" as people in rural areas would be particularly hit by the increased car tax and VRT. "That hit is specifically to the people of rural Ireland," he claimed.


theirishtimes--2020-10-13--Charities broadly positive on extra spending in Budget 2021

There has been a mixed but broadly positive reaction to Budget 2021 from non-governmental bodies .
The Wheel , a national association of charities and voluntary organisations , welcomed many of the investments in social infrastructure and voluntary supports .
Commenting on the budget Ivan Cooper , the Wheel ’ s director of public policy said the organisation “ warmly welcome ” an additional €10 million for the Covid-19 Stability Fund for Community and Voluntary Organisations .
He said this would build on €35million promised earlier this year .
“ This additional funding , additional and the hundreds-of-millions of Euro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which are provided by charities – is desperately needed , ” he said .
Mr Cooper warned total losses to member organisations would add up to a €445million funding deficit by the end of the year , caused by a collapse in charities ’ earned and fundraised income .
However , Maureen Kavanagh chief executive of Active Retirement Ireland said : “ Fianna Fáil , Fine Gael and the Green Party committed in their Programme for Government to build a society that properly values older people – a society where older people can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities.
” But she said Budget 2021 “ falls short on delivering that society ” .
Age Action said the Government ’ s Budget 2021 choices did not include measures to protect the majority of older people on a fixed income from the rising cost of energy .
Reacting to Budget 2021 , Inclusion Ireland welcomed the increase in funding for disability services but warned “ the devil will be in the detail when it comes to delivering on improving the lives of those with a disability ” .
Children ’ s charity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to support vulnerable children but said “ investment must reach those who need it ” .
It welcomed other measures including increases to the Qualified Child Increase ( QCI ) ; investment in education for children with special educational needs through the expansion of the Social Inclusion Programme ; and changes to the Working Family Payment and One Parent Family Payment .
However it said it was disappointed that there has been no expansion of the roll-out of the free books scheme and that there was no mention of additional family support services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homeless accommodation .
Chief executive of Dublin Simon Community , Sam McGuinness , said the increased funding for the Department of Housing , Local Government and Heritage to a record amount of €5.2 billion was welcome .
“ This funding is being committed for vital support and prevention services such as the delivery of increased social housing , rent support schemes for struggling tenants , emergency beds and cold weather initiatives funding for rough sleepers , ” he said .
The Irish Council for Social Housing ( ICSH ) said Budget 2021 capital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive response to the scale of the housing crisis and sends a clear signal to approved housing bodies and local authorities to meet and even exceed existing targets that will boost the delivery of permanent social housing ” .
The Disability Federation of Ireland , DFI welcomed the announcement of an extra €100 million for disability health services .
“ The €100million attempts to address the extra disability related Covid-19 costs and keep existing services going ” the organisation commented .
The National Youth Council of Ireland – which represents groups working with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warmly welcomed ” the additional €5 million in funding provided for youth services .
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul said despite “ welcome increases in the Living Alone Allowance , the Fuel Allowance and targeted supports for children , the budget has provided little to prevent escalation in poverty or a growth in inequality ” .

Maureen Kavanagh, chief executive of Active Retirement Ireland: ‘Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party committed in their Programme for Government to build a society that properly values older people – a society where older people can live full and active lives in their communities.’ Photograph: iStock
There has been a mixed but broadly positive reaction to Budget 2021 from non-governmental bodies.
The Wheel, a national association of charities and voluntary organisations, welcomed many of the investments in social infrastructure and voluntary supports.
Commenting on the budget Ivan Cooper, the Wheel’s director of public policy said the organisation “warmly welcome” an additional €10 million for the Covid-19 Stability Fund for Community and Voluntary Organisations. He said this would build on €35million promised earlier this year.
“This additional funding, additional and the hundreds-of-millions of Euro announced for public services – many of which are provided by charities – is desperately needed,” he said.
READ MORE
Mr Cooper warned total losses to member organisations would add up to a €445million funding deficit by the end of the year, caused by a collapse in charities’ earned and fundraised income.
However, Maureen Kavanagh chief executive of Active Retirement Ireland said: “Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party committed in their Programme for Government to build a society that properly values older people – a society where older people can live full and active lives in their communities.” But she said Budget 2021 “falls short on delivering that society”.
Age Action said the Government’s Budget 2021 choices did not include measures to protect the majority of older people on a fixed income from the rising cost of energy.
Reacting to Budget 2021, Inclusion Ireland welcomed the increase in funding for disability services but warned “the devil will be in the detail when it comes to delivering on improving the lives of those with a disability”.
Free books scheme
Children’s charity Barnardos also welcomed “much needed funding to support vulnerable children but said “investment must reach those who need it”.
It welcomed other measures including increases to the Qualified Child Increase (QCI); investment in education for children with special educational needs through the expansion of the Social Inclusion Programme; and changes to the Working Family Payment and One Parent Family Payment.
However it said it was disappointed that there has been no expansion of the roll-out of the free books scheme and that there was no mention of additional family support services for children living in direct provision or homeless accommodation.
Chief executive of Dublin Simon Community, Sam McGuinness, said the increased funding for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to a record amount of €5.2 billion was welcome.
“This funding is being committed for vital support and prevention services such as the delivery of increased social housing, rent support schemes for struggling tenants, emergency beds and cold weather initiatives funding for rough sleepers,” he said.
Clear signal
The Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH) said Budget 2021 capital investment in public housing was “a positive response to the scale of the housing crisis and sends a clear signal to approved housing bodies and local authorities to meet and even exceed existing targets that will boost the delivery of permanent social housing”.
The Disability Federation of Ireland, DFI welcomed the announcement of an extra €100 million for disability health services.
“The €100million attempts to address the extra disability related Covid-19 costs and keep existing services going” the organisation commented.
The National Youth Council of Ireland – which represents groups working with more than 380,000 young people nationwide “ warmly welcomed” the additional €5 million in funding provided for youth services.
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul said despite “welcome increases in the Living Alone Allowance, the Fuel Allowance and targeted supports for children, the budget has provided little to prevent escalation in poverty or a growth in inequality”.


theirishtimes--2020-10-13--Garda chief ‘restricting movements’ after close contact with Covid case

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris , at least one Garda assistant commissioner and other senior members of the force have had to restrict their movements and have undergone Covid-19 testing after a Garda officer they work with tested positive for the virus .
The Irish Times understands the officer who contracted the virus believes he did so at a setting away from his work .
The officer who has since been confirmed as a positive Covid-19 case was in a room with Mr Harris for a prolonged period recently , though Mr Harris was tested for the virus at the weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was only after that meeting with Mr Harris that the officer believed he should go for testing , which then confirmed that he had the virus .
Other senior Garda officers based at Garda Headquarters , Phoenix Park , Dublin , were also in close contact with the senior member of the force now confirmed as a Covid-19 case and they have been limiting their movements and have undergone testing .
In reply to queries , Garda Headquarters at Phoenix Park , Dublin , confirmed Mr Harris ’ s close contact with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
“ Following a socially distant meeting late last week between the Garda Commissioner and one other person who a few days later tested positive for Covid-19 , Commissioner Harris was tested for Covid-19 at the weekend .
The test was negative , ” the statement read .
“ In line with public health guidelines , since being informed of this close contact the Commissioner has been restricting his movements , but continues to carry out his duties .
“ Public health advice was also followed at this meeting in relation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Separately , following being identified as ‘ close contacts ’ of a positive Covid-19 case , a number of other members are currently ‘ restricting movement ’ in accordance with HSE public health guidelines.
” Garda Headquarters added that the Garda members who were limiting their movements “ remain available for duty ” and were working remotely .
“ An Garda Síochána will not be providing commentary on the individual status of other members of An Garda Síochána or individual Garda stations or sections .
“ An individual member ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There is currently no impact on any services of An Garda Síochána .
”

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, at least one Garda assistant commissioner and other senior members of the force have had to restrict their movements and have undergone Covid-19 testing after a Garda officer they work with tested positive for the virus.
The Irish Times understands the officer who contracted the virus believes he did so at a setting away from his work.
The officer who has since been confirmed as a positive Covid-19 case was in a room with Mr Harris for a prolonged period recently, though Mr Harris was tested for the virus at the weekend and the result proved negative.
It was only after that meeting with Mr Harris that the officer believed he should go for testing, which then confirmed that he had the virus.
READ MORE
Other senior Garda officers based at Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park, Dublin, were also in close contact with the senior member of the force now confirmed as a Covid-19 case and they have been limiting their movements and have undergone testing.
In reply to queries, Garda Headquarters at Phoenix Park, Dublin, confirmed Mr Harris’s close contact with a person who has since tested positive for the virus.
“Following a socially distant meeting late last week between the Garda Commissioner and one other person who a few days later tested positive for Covid-19, Commissioner Harris was tested for Covid-19 at the weekend. The test was negative,” the statement read.
“In line with public health guidelines, since being informed of this close contact the Commissioner has been restricting his movements, but continues to carry out his duties.
“Public health advice was also followed at this meeting in relation to use of masks and hand sanitiser.
“Separately, following being identified as ‘close contacts’ of a positive Covid-19 case, a number of other members are currently ‘restricting movement’ in accordance with HSE public health guidelines.”
Garda Headquarters added that the Garda members who were limiting their movements “remain available for duty” and were working remotely.
“An Garda Síochána will not be providing commentary on the individual status of other members of An Garda Síochána or individual Garda stations or sections.
“An individual member’s medical condition is private information to them. There is currently no impact on any services of An Garda Síochána.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-13--Climate and the budget: Carbon tax hike and funding for sustainable transport

A range of climate actions are threaded through Budget 2021 , with significant measures including an overhaul of motor taxation ; carbon tax increases , and retrofitting to reduce emissions from buildings .
But the lion ’ s share in capital funding – €1.8 billion – is going to “ sustainable transport ” .
The overhaul of motor tax and vehicle registration tax ( VRT ) is designed to push car buyers towards “ green choices ” .
New car buyers who opt for more sustainable vehicles such as electric vehicles and hybrids will benefit from lower VRT , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – including SUVs – will be more expensive .
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe identified the fundamental flaw in with the current system ; it is based on “ artificially deflated CO2 levels ” ; ie not real on-road conditions .
So Ireland is transitioning its CO2-based vehicle registration tax regime to the more robust Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure emissions system .
VRT rebates for EVs and direct exchequer support for hybrids and plug-in hybrids will expire by the end of 2020 , but he underlined lower VRT rates will compensate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some cases , below current levels .
There was outrage last year when the threat of a hard Brexit and unrest among anxious rural TDs supposedly scuppered plans for an increase in carbon tax on fossil fuels .
This year ’ s €7.50 increase on fossil fuels to €33.50 per tonne of CO2 equivalent was well-flagged in the programme for government , and already had backing from most parties in the Oireachtas .
An increase in the Fuel Allowance of €3.50 is designed to ease impacts on vulnerable groups including older people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ carbon tax increases would soon be enshrined in law with a view to reaching €100 per tonne by 2030 .
On motor tax , carbon-polluting petrol and diesel vehicles – notably older vehicles – are targeted , while it will decrease for low-emission cars .
On retrofitting , €222 million in capital funding is allocated for retrofitting of residential housing and community schemes ; an 82 per cent increase on last year – while €109 million is provided to support lower-income households to retrofit their houses .
This represents the first part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ energy grade at a cost of €50 billion over 20 years .
To facilitate this an additional 100 staff are to be taken on the Department of Environment , Climate and Communications and in the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland , which in effect will become the “ retrofit delivery body ” .
A “ one-stop shop ” concept and combining retrofits under one scheme is considered be the key catalyst for accelerated take-up .
Sustainable transport includes funding for walking and cycling infrastructure ; carbon-reduction programmes , greenways , and public transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for BusConnects , Metrolink and extending the Dart .
Much of the focus will increasingly be on electrification of transport , which is seen as critical to reduce its high level of emissions in the sector .
Energy analyst Dr Paul Deane based at UCC ’ s MaREI institute welcomed “ a multipronged approach ” across climate action , energy and carbon tax .
The Government , he said , has benefited from “ a lucky window ” with almost record lows in fossil fuel prices over the past four years , making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] to increase carbon tax ” .
This would add just €28 per year to running the average family diesel car and €20 per year for those with a petrol car .
Given Covid-19 , deferring home heating oil costs until May next year was a good approach .
He estimated the tax increase would result in €45 increase in annual kerosene bills , and €50 for those using gas to heat their homes .
Worst affected would be the 100,000 householders relying on coal , who face a €130 per year hike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right signal ; that the dirtiest fuels would see the highest tax increases , Dr Deane added .
On moves to scale-up retrofitting homes , he believed there was an important connection to be made with carbon tax , which this year would raise up to €390 million .
This could retrofit 13,000 homes but there was no transparency on how exactly this revenue was being spent .
“ The Government needs to work on an overlapping narrative , ” he suggested .
The tax revenues were a significant opportunity to improve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same time to improve understanding of how the tax is used – this , he believed , would secure more public support for climate actions .

The overhaul of motor tax and vehicle registration tax is designed to push car buyers towards green choices
A range of climate actions are threaded through Budget 2021, with significant measures including an overhaul of motor taxation; carbon tax increases, and retrofitting to reduce emissions from buildings. But the lion's share in capital funding – €1.8 billion – is going to "sustainable transport".
The overhaul of motor tax and vehicle registration tax (VRT) is designed to push car buyers towards “green choices”. New car buyers who opt for more sustainable vehicles such as electric vehicles and hybrids will benefit from lower VRT, while petrol and diesel cars with higher emissions – including SUVs – will be more expensive.
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe identified the fundamental flaw in with the current system; it is based on "artificially deflated CO2 levels"; ie not real on-road conditions. So Ireland is transitioning its CO2-based vehicle registration tax regime to the more robust Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure emissions system.
VRT rebates for EVs and direct exchequer support for hybrids and plug-in hybrids will expire by the end of 2020, but he underlined lower VRT rates will compensate and keep prices similar or, in some cases, below current levels.
READ MORE
Carbon Tax
There was outrage last year when the threat of a hard Brexit and unrest among anxious rural TDs supposedly scuppered plans for an increase in carbon tax on fossil fuels. This year's €7.50 increase on fossil fuels to €33.50 per tonne of CO2 equivalent was well-flagged in the programme for government, and already had backing from most parties in the Oireachtas.
An increase in the Fuel Allowance of €3.50 is designed to ease impacts on vulnerable groups including older people.
Critically, Mr Donohue said similar yearly carbon tax increases would soon be enshrined in law with a view to reaching €100 per tonne by 2030.
On motor tax, carbon-polluting petrol and diesel vehicles – notably older vehicles – are targeted, while it will decrease for low-emission cars.
Retrofits
On retrofitting, €222 million in capital funding is allocated for retrofitting of residential housing and community schemes; an 82 per cent increase on last year – while €109 million is provided to support lower-income households to retrofit their houses. This represents the first part of a programme to upgrade houses to B2 energy grade at a cost of €50 billion over 20 years.
To facilitate this an additional 100 staff are to be taken on the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and in the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, which in effect will become the “retrofit delivery body”. A “one-stop shop” concept and combining retrofits under one scheme is considered be the key catalyst for accelerated take-up.
Sustainable transport
Sustainable transport includes funding for walking and cycling infrastructure; carbon-reduction programmes, greenways, and public transport, which has a €1 billion allocation for BusConnects, Metrolink and extending the Dart. Much of the focus will increasingly be on electrification of transport, which is seen as critical to reduce its high level of emissions in the sector.
Energy analyst Dr Paul Deane based at UCC's MaREI institute welcomed "a multipronged approach" across climate action, energy and carbon tax.
The Government, he said, has benefited from “a lucky window” with almost record lows in fossil fuel prices over the past four years, making it “a safe time [ politically] to increase carbon tax”.
This would add just €28 per year to running the average family diesel car and €20 per year for those with a petrol car. Given Covid-19, deferring home heating oil costs until May next year was a good approach. He estimated the tax increase would result in €45 increase in annual kerosene bills, and €50 for those using gas to heat their homes.
Worst affected would be the 100,000 householders relying on coal, who face a €130 per year hike. This was, however, sending the right signal; that the dirtiest fuels would see the highest tax increases, Dr Deane added.
On moves to scale-up retrofitting homes, he believed there was an important connection to be made with carbon tax, which this year would raise up to €390 million. This could retrofit 13,000 homes but there was no transparency on how exactly this revenue was being spent.
“The Government needs to work on an overlapping narrative,” he suggested. The tax revenues were a significant opportunity to improve the lives of families and at the same time to improve understanding of how the tax is used – this, he believed, would secure more public support for climate actions.


theirishtimes--2020-10-13--Supreme Court sharply criticises judge’s comments about barristers

The Supreme Court has sharply criticised “ quite remarkable and personally insulting comments ” made by a High Court judge about barristers who had appeared before him .
The comments by Mr Justice Richard Humphreys were contained in a ruling he made last year where he found in favour of a deported Ukrainian man who wanted to be allowed back into the State to make an international protection application that required his presence in the State .
In a judgment issued on Tuesday allowing an appeal against the High Court decision , the Supreme Court said the judge ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and humiliating and were capable of being damaging to the career of counsel and personally upsetting ” .
The ruling was by the Chief Justice , Frank Clarke , and judges John MacMenamin , Elizabeth Dunne , Iseult O ’ Malley and Marie Baker .
The court said Mr Justice Humphreys had called into question the professional integrity and ability of counsel on both sides in the High Court case , and criticised each of them in different ways .
The High Court judge had made insulting comments “ regarding the competence and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the professional competence of both senior counsel ” , Ms Justice Baker said .
She noted that the counsel in the High Court case , whom she did not name , had been named in the ruling by Mr Justice Humphreys .
“ It goes without saying that neither had the opportunity to respond.
” The tone in the High Court ruling “ may seem to be somewhat flippant or , were it not for the seriousness of the fact that they were contained in a written judgment of a senior member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the area of immigration , might almost appear to be humorous or satirical ” .
“ The trial judge may even have meant them in that way .
But they must have caused upset and personal and professional embarrassment to the persons concerned.
” Ms Justice Baker said comments such as those made by Mr Justice Humphreys had no place in a judgment .
“ The judge is in a particular position of power and can damage or destroy a career with a remark made in court or in a written judgment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no part of the judge ’ s role to be personally insulting to the lawyers who appear before him or her.
” In the judgment the court granted an appeal by the Minister for Justice against the Ukrainian man .
“ While I disagree with the reasoning of the trial judge in the present case , his judgment was lucid , reasoned , elegant and intelligent , ” Ms Justice Baker said .
It would be a shame , she said , if the erudition displayed in his writing were to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which , in my view , are regrettable ” .
The issue before the court was whether the Minister was obliged to revoke a deportation order against a Ukrainian man who had been granted consent to make an application for international protection under the 2015 International Protection Act .
However , by the time he was granted consent to make the application , he had been deported .
The man arrived in the State in 2001 and had been given permission to remain .
In 2015 he married an Irish citizen .
Later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sexual assault .
His permission to remain in the State was not renewed in 2016 , and in 2018 he was issued with a deportation order .
He now resides in Ukraine .
In the judgment , Ms Justice Baker said there was “ nowhere found a freestanding right to be given a visa or other means to enter a state lawfully for the purposes of making an application for international protection ” .

Ms Justice Marie Baker says comments such as those made by Mr Justice Humphreys have no place in a judgment. Photograph: Collins Courts
The Supreme Court has sharply criticised "quite remarkable and personally insulting comments" made by a High Court judge about barristers who had appeared before him.
The comments by Mr Justice Richard Humphreys were contained in a ruling he made last year where he found in favour of a deported Ukrainian man who wanted to be allowed back into the State to make an international protection application that required his presence in the State.
In a judgment issued on Tuesday allowing an appeal against the High Court decision, the Supreme Court said the judge’s comments were “on any view offensive and humiliating and were capable of being damaging to the career of counsel and personally upsetting”.
The ruling was by the Chief Justice, Frank Clarke, and judges John MacMenamin, Elizabeth Dunne, Iseult O'Malley and Marie Baker.
READ MORE
The court said Mr Justice Humphreys had called into question the professional integrity and ability of counsel on both sides in the High Court case, and criticised each of them in different ways.
The High Court judge had made insulting comments "regarding the competence and trustworthiness of counsel for the State, and the professional competence of both senior counsel", Ms Justice Baker said.
She noted that the counsel in the High Court case, whom she did not name, had been named in the ruling by Mr Justice Humphreys. “It goes without saying that neither had the opportunity to respond.”
The tone in the High Court ruling “may seem to be somewhat flippant or, were it not for the seriousness of the fact that they were contained in a written judgment of a senior member of the judiciary who has considerable experience in the area of immigration, might almost appear to be humorous or satirical”.
“The trial judge may even have meant them in that way. But they must have caused upset and personal and professional embarrassment to the persons concerned.”
Ms Justice Baker said comments such as those made by Mr Justice Humphreys had no place in a judgment.
“The judge is in a particular position of power and can damage or destroy a career with a remark made in court or in a written judgment,” she said.
“It is no part of the judge’s role to be personally insulting to the lawyers who appear before him or her.”
Appeal
In the judgment the court granted an appeal by the Minister for Justice against the Ukrainian man.
“While I disagree with the reasoning of the trial judge in the present case, his judgment was lucid, reasoned, elegant and intelligent,” Ms Justice Baker said.
It would be a shame, she said, if the erudition displayed in his writing were to be lost in “his more colourful observations which, in my view, are regrettable”.
The issue before the court was whether the Minister was obliged to revoke a deportation order against a Ukrainian man who had been granted consent to make an application for international protection under the 2015 International Protection Act.
However, by the time he was granted consent to make the application, he had been deported.
The man arrived in the State in 2001 and had been given permission to remain. In 2015 he married an Irish citizen. Later that same year he was convicted of sexual assault.
His permission to remain in the State was not renewed in 2016, and in 2018 he was issued with a deportation order. He now resides in Ukraine.
In the judgment, Ms Justice Baker said there was “nowhere found a freestanding right to be given a visa or other means to enter a state lawfully for the purposes of making an application for international protection”.


theirishtimes--2020-10-13--Funds to recruit 600 new gardaí next year

The prospect of another recruitment moratorium in the Garda , which had been feared by many in the force , has dissipated after funding was confirmed in the budget for the recruitment of 600 new recruits next year .
Those recruitment plans mean the Garda force , which is now bigger than at any time in the history of the State at just over 14,600 sworn members , will increase further .
By the end of 2021 it is set to expand to 15,000 sworn members when retirements over the next year are factored in .
Furthermore , around 500 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next year .
Those recruitment plans were among a wide range of measures set out in Budget 2021 based on a €3 billion budget for justice in 2021 , some €200 million higher than that unveiled last year .
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said recruiting more Garda civilian workers would ensure hundreds of gardaí could be freed from administrative jobs and deployed back to frontline policing .
“ More Garda recruits and more Garda staff means extra members of the service on the frontline and in specialist units battling organised crime groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
A total of €27 million has been made available across the justice system for Covid-19 related measures , which includes €13 million for PPE for the Garda .
Some €5.7 million has been provided for increased PPE , cleaning and healthcare costs for the Irish Prison Service .
A further €5.7 million has been allocated to the Courts Service to address the challenges posed by Covid-19 , including enabling the holding of court sittings in new buildings for the duration of the pandemic in a bid to prevent delays in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has expanded its efforts in recent years to target smaller gangs , has seen its budget increased by €900,000 to €9.96 million , while the €13 million for the Coroner Service includes provision for an inquest into the deaths of those who died in the Stardust fire in Artane , Dublin , in 1981 .
During the course of the pandemic , particularly the period of strict lockdown in spring , an increase of almost 25 per cent in the number of domestic violence and domestic abuse incidents were recorded by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ €400,000 has been made available for organisations that provide assistance and advice to victims , including counselling and help lines .
Forensic Science Ireland , which provides the forensic expertise and resources required for the investigation of crime , has secured an extra €10 million for capital spending , bringing that budget to €51 million as the service ’ s modern new laboratory is being constructed in Backweston , Co Kildare .
Meanwhile , Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney , who also holds the defence portfolio , has welcomed the increase of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ budget bringing it to €1.07 billion .
Amid sustained criticism for many years at the reduction in strength of the Defence Forces , Mr Coveney said the Government was committed to increasing to 9,500 the number of personnel in the forces .
He believed numbers would increase under the budget allocation for next year .

A garda at a checkpoint. By the end of 2021 the Garda force is set to expand to 15,000 sworn members. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
The prospect of another recruitment moratorium in the Garda, which had been feared by many in the force, has dissipated after funding was confirmed in the budget for the recruitment of 600 new recruits next year.
Those recruitment plans mean the Garda force, which is now bigger than at any time in the history of the State at just over 14,600 sworn members, will increase further. By the end of 2021 it is set to expand to 15,000 sworn members when retirements over the next year are factored in. Furthermore, around 500 new civilian workers will also be recruited next year.
Those recruitment plans were among a wide range of measures set out in Budget 2021 based on a €3 billion budget for justice in 2021, some €200 million higher than that unveiled last year.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said recruiting more Garda civilian workers would ensure hundreds of gardaí could be freed from administrative jobs and deployed back to frontline policing.
READ MORE
“More Garda recruits and more Garda staff means extra members of the service on the frontline and in specialist units battling organised crime groups and keeping people safe,” she said.
A total of €27 million has been made available across the justice system for Covid-19 related measures, which includes €13 million for PPE for the Garda.
Cleaning
Some €5.7 million has been provided for increased PPE, cleaning and healthcare costs for the Irish Prison Service.
A further €5.7 million has been allocated to the Courts Service to address the challenges posed by Covid-19, including enabling the holding of court sittings in new buildings for the duration of the pandemic in a bid to prevent delays in the system.
The Criminal Assets Bureau, which has expanded its efforts in recent years to target smaller gangs, has seen its budget increased by €900,000 to €9.96 million, while the €13 million for the Coroner Service includes provision for an inquest into the deaths of those who died in the Stardust fire in Artane, Dublin, in 1981.
During the course of the pandemic, particularly the period of strict lockdown in spring, an increase of almost 25 per cent in the number of domestic violence and domestic abuse incidents were recorded by the Garda.
As a result an additional €400,000 has been made available for organisations that provide assistance and advice to victims, including counselling and help lines.
Forensic Science Ireland, which provides the forensic expertise and resources required for the investigation of crime, has secured an extra €10 million for capital spending, bringing that budget to €51 million as the service's modern new laboratory is being constructed in Backweston, Co Kildare.
Defence portfolio
Meanwhile, Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney, who also holds the defence portfolio, has welcomed the increase of €32 million in defence funding in the budget bringing it to €1.07 billion.
Amid sustained criticism for many years at the reduction in strength of the Defence Forces, Mr Coveney said the Government was committed to increasing to 9,500 the number of personnel in the forces.
He believed numbers would increase under the budget allocation for next year.


theirishtimes--2020-10-13--My Budget: 'I don’t see any additional funding for GPs'

“ It was always going to be a tough budget to get right , particularly when it came to health spending , ” said Dr Laura Lenihan , a Galway-based GP who is in the process of opening a new practice on the outskirts of the city .
She noted that there was a substantial tranche of budget spending set aside for intensive care and critical care beds in hospitals but she questioned whether the spending would be sufficient to meet demand in the months ahead .
“ I think at the very minimum we need another 500 ICU beds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t think there is money there for anything close to that number , ” she said .
“ I don ’ t see any additional funding for GPs either and many are struggling with higher expenses as a result of the pandemic , ” she added .
“ It is very difficult for everyone working in healthcare and Covid-19 has changed everything.
” She pointed out that in spite of the record level of spending announced by the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and the Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difference to her take-home pay once all the measures are rolled out next year .
“ I am a doctor and I know that I am fortunate enough to have a job and I don ’ t mind that there were no tax cuts aimed at people in my position .
I think what is needed right now is solidarity and more help for people and for sectors who really need it.
” She said it was “ clear that the Government is spending massively in many areas and that is welcome .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is to those most in need makes sense.
” She noted that over recent months with many retail outlets , restaurants and pubs closed and no overseas travel allowed , she had found that her spending had actually fallen significantly while her income had been largely unaffected .
“ I think , ultimately , the budget is pretty fair and I think the Government has done what they needed to do to get us through what is probably the most difficult time for the country in our lifetimes .
”

Dr Laura Lenihan says she doesn’t mind that there are no tax cuts aimed at people in her position.
"It was always going to be a tough budget to get right, particularly when it came to health spending," said Dr Laura Lenihan, a Galway-based GP who is in the process of opening a new practice on the outskirts of the city.
She noted that there was a substantial tranche of budget spending set aside for intensive care and critical care beds in hospitals but she questioned whether the spending would be sufficient to meet demand in the months ahead.
“I think at the very minimum we need another 500 ICU beds across the whole system and I don’t think there is money there for anything close to that number,” she said.
“I don’t see any additional funding for GPs either and many are struggling with higher expenses as a result of the pandemic,” she added. “It is very difficult for everyone working in healthcare and Covid-19 has changed everything.”
READ MORE
She pointed out that in spite of the record level of spending announced by the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and the Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath, the budget would make little or no difference to her take-home pay once all the measures are rolled out next year.
“I am a doctor and I know that I am fortunate enough to have a job and I don’t mind that there were no tax cuts aimed at people in my position. I think what is needed right now is solidarity and more help for people and for sectors who really need it.”
She said it was “clear that the Government is spending massively in many areas and that is welcome. I think trying to give whatever money there is to those most in need makes sense.”
She noted that over recent months with many retail outlets, restaurants and pubs closed and no overseas travel allowed, she had found that her spending had actually fallen significantly while her income had been largely unaffected.
“I think, ultimately, the budget is pretty fair and I think the Government has done what they needed to do to get us through what is probably the most difficult time for the country in our lifetimes.”


theirishtimes--2020-10-13--A ‘Green budget’ as Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael buy into the party’s agenda

The budget , one that deeply involved the Green Party , is probably the greenest in recent history but that is an unsurprising element of an extraordinary event .
The move towards a green and circular economy forms part of the programme for government .
The question was : how much would Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil buy into the Green Party ’ s agenda .
As it happened a lot more than one would have anticipated pre-Covid .
Green Party sources say that most of the demands the party made were met , if not totally at least a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition to a host of measures that address climate change , the party also succeeded in dealing with the “ just transition ” part of the phenomenon , ensuring measures were inserted that protected the old and the vulnerable .
As expected there was a €7.50 increase in carbon tax .
This will allow the setting up of a war chest known as the Climate Action Fund .
Some €300 million is being allotted to broad measures to retrofit homes and buildings to improve their insulation .
Funding has been earmarked for renewable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the electrification of the train system ) and for further investment in sustainable agriculture , forestry and industry .
In addition , for the first time since the Greens were in government in 2008 , there will be a major redesign of motor tax and vehicle registration tax ( VRT ) .
Then it was mistakenly thought that diesel represented a cleaner future than petrol .
Now that is being reversed .
The VRT and motor tax regimes will be biased in favour of low-emitting cars , from electric vehicles , to hybrids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ models .
The scheme that was unveiled at budget is complicated , but the net impact will see the volume of diesel cars on Irish roads fall considerably .
Anyone who followed the internal debate within the Greens about entering coalition would have been aware of the social justice element .
Green sources said that a huge priority for the party besides preparing for its aim of a green recovery was to protect the vulnerable .
The Government commissioned the ESRI to see how carbon taxes could be applied in the most progressive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ geared towards poorer and less protected cohorts .
They included increases in the qualified child allowance , in the fuel allowance and also in the living-alone allowances .
There were big increases in other areas which have become more core to Green Party thinking , including disability and mental health .
And any doubt as to how the wider parliamentary party would receive the budget was dispelled when Neasa Hourigan issued a press release warmly welcoming the progressive measures protecting the vulnerable .
Like virtually every other Minister , the three senior Green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increases in funding in core areas .
Roderic O ’ Gorman in the Department of Children was able to announce significant increases in funding for the child agency Tusla , and also for direct provision .
Catherine Martin could show considerable “ gets ” in the reduction of the hospitality VAT rate to 9 per cent , and the major scheme which will help struggling entities in tourism , hospitality , performance and the arts who can show a significant fall in turnover .
They can get grant relief of up to €5,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ budget represents a success for the party and sees its TDs and Senators united in that view – in contrast to the fragmentation of earlier this year .
In any other year that would have captured perhaps most attention .
But because of the extraordinary circumstances the fact that it ’ s a “ green budget ” represents just one element of a very complicated and unusual document .

Roderic O’Gorman: he was able to announce significant increases in funding for the child agency Tusla, and also for direct provision. Photograph: Dara Mac Donaill
The budget, one that deeply involved the Green Party, is probably the greenest in recent history but that is an unsurprising element of an extraordinary event.
The move towards a green and circular economy forms part of the programme for government. The question was: how much would Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil buy into the Green Party's agenda. As it happened a lot more than one would have anticipated pre-Covid.
Green Party sources say that most of the demands the party made were met, if not totally at least a good deal along the way. In addition to a host of measures that address climate change, the party also succeeded in dealing with the “just transition” part of the phenomenon, ensuring measures were inserted that protected the old and the vulnerable .
As expected there was a €7.50 increase in carbon tax. This will allow the setting up of a war chest known as the Climate Action Fund. Some €300 million is being allotted to broad measures to retrofit homes and buildings to improve their insulation. Funding has been earmarked for renewable energy, for public transport (particularly the electrification of the train system) and for further investment in sustainable agriculture, forestry and industry.
READ MORE
In addition, for the first time since the Greens were in government in 2008, there will be a major redesign of motor tax and vehicle registration tax (VRT).
Then it was mistakenly thought that diesel represented a cleaner future than petrol. Now that is being reversed. The VRT and motor tax regimes will be biased in favour of low-emitting cars, from electric vehicles, to hybrids, and then the modern efficient petrol models. The scheme that was unveiled at budget is complicated, but the net impact will see the volume of diesel cars on Irish roads fall considerably.
Internal debate
Anyone who followed the internal debate within the Greens about entering coalition would have been aware of the social justice element. Green sources said that a huge priority for the party besides preparing for its aim of a green recovery was to protect the vulnerable.
The Government commissioned the ESRI to see how carbon taxes could be applied in the most progressive way. Thus there were specific measures geared towards poorer and less protected cohorts. They included increases in the qualified child allowance, in the fuel allowance and also in the living-alone allowances.
There were big increases in other areas which have become more core to Green Party thinking, including disability and mental health.
And any doubt as to how the wider parliamentary party would receive the budget was dispelled when Neasa Hourigan issued a press release warmly welcoming the progressive measures protecting the vulnerable.
Like virtually every other Minister, the three senior Green Ministers could show that they had negotiated increases in funding in core areas.
Roderic O’Gorman in the Department of Children was able to announce significant increases in funding for the child agency Tusla, and also for direct provision.
VAT rate
Catherine Martin could show considerable "gets" in the reduction of the hospitality VAT rate to 9 per cent, and the major scheme which will help struggling entities in tourism, hospitality, performance and the arts who can show a significant fall in turnover. They can get grant relief of up to €5,000 per week.
In a sense the budget represents a success for the party and sees its TDs and Senators united in that view – in contrast to the fragmentation of earlier this year.
In any other year that would have captured perhaps most attention. But because of the extraordinary circumstances the fact that it’s a “green budget” represents just one element of a very complicated and unusual document.


theirishtimes--2020-10-13--Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael consummate marriage in budget, Labour claims

The budget is “ papering over the cracks ” again rather than beginning the work of building an Irish national health service that everyone would be proud of , Labour finance spokesman Ged Nash said .
He also described Fianna Fail and Fine Gael in government together as a marriage , and said in the budget “ the marriage was consummated - but the wedding speeches didn ’ t live up to expectations ” .
In his Dáil response to Budget 2021 Mr Nash said there was a long way to go on the “ two-tier health system ” but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There are two Irelands in existence , one with “ billions of euro extra in supports for businesses but cuts for workers on the PUP and no shame about it either ” .
The Louth TD said “ we were told there would be no cuts , but austerity is back for those who can least afford to carry it ” .
He added , however , that “ it would be churlish not to recognise that there is much in this package to welcome ” including extra resources targeted at health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The question is , will it be enough to stave off the twin threats of Covid-19 and a no trade deal Brexit ?
” He said cutting the VAT rate to 9 per cent for the hospitality and tourism sector might be politically popular but the initiative “ will not do what you seem to think it will ” because “ the money is there .
It ’ s just that the conditions to spend it aren ’ t. ” Mr Nash also called an end to the terms “ Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payment made at Christmas .
“ It is patronising and suggests that someone who depends on the State for their income should be grateful for an extra week ’ s payment at a challenging time of the year.
” Social Democrats joint leader Róisín Shortall described the budget as a “ missed opportunity ” to address social and economic challenges .
Reacting to Budget 2021 , she said it represents a “ lost opportunity ” to make the choices that would lead to long term social and economic revival .
The Government could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure investment in vital public services ” .
And she said there was very little in the budget for workers with no proposals for low-wage workers “ and little hope that many of our key workers , who have proved so invaluable , will see their lot improve ” .
She added that “ there is nothing in this Budget that will reduce the cost of living for people ” .
Social Democrats housing spokesman Cian O ’ Callaghan said the budget failed to deliver affordable housing because it “ lacks the ambition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Government should use the historically low interest rates by borrowing to directly build thousands of affordable homes .
But he said it included funding for just 400 cost rental homes and “ provides more subsidies for developers and extends tax breaks for big funds ” .
People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett said the headline figures sounded great but the detail of the budget “ it doesn ’ t actually do what ’ s absolutely necessary ” .
He said it was “ a very dangerous mistake ” that the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme had been cut .
Infection rates are rising and “ hundreds of thousands of people ” could again lose their jobs if further restrictions were imposed but was a “ very serious undermining of the collective social solidarity that we need to deal with the threat of Covid-19 ” .

In his Dáil response to Budget 2021, Labour Party finance spokesman Ged Nash said there was a long way to go on the ‘two-tier health system’ but there was also a two -tier economy. File photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
The budget is "papering over the cracks" again rather than beginning the work of building an Irish national health service that everyone would be proud of, Labour finance spokesman Ged Nash said.
He also described Fianna Fail and Fine Gael in government together as a marriage, and said in the budget “the marriage was consummated - but the wedding speeches didn’t live up to expectations”.
In his Dáil response to Budget 2021 Mr Nash said there was a long way to go on the “two-tier health system” but there was also a two -tier economy.
There are two Irelands in existence, one with “billions of euro extra in supports for businesses but cuts for workers on the PUP and no shame about it either”.
READ MORE
The Louth TD said “we were told there would be no cuts, but austerity is back for those who can least afford to carry it”.
He added, however, that “it would be churlish not to recognise that there is much in this package to welcome” including extra resources targeted at health, housing, education and wage supports.
“The question is, will it be enough to stave off the twin threats of Covid-19 and a no trade deal Brexit?”
He said cutting the VAT rate to 9 per cent for the hospitality and tourism sector might be politically popular but the initiative “will not do what you seem to think it will” because “the money is there. It’s just that the conditions to spend it aren’t.”
Mr Nash also called an end to the terms “Christmas Bonus” for the double social protection payment made at Christmas.
“It is patronising and suggests that someone who depends on the State for their income should be grateful for an extra week’s payment at a challenging time of the year.”
‘Missed opportunity’
Social Democrats joint leader Róisín Shortall described the budget as a “missed opportunity” to address social and economic challenges.
Reacting to Budget 2021, she said it represents a “lost opportunity” to make the choices that would lead to long term social and economic revival.
The Government could have used favourable borrowing levels to “ensure investment in vital public services”.
And she said there was very little in the budget for workers with no proposals for low-wage workers “and little hope that many of our key workers, who have proved so invaluable, will see their lot improve”.
She added that “there is nothing in this Budget that will reduce the cost of living for people”.
Social Democrats housing spokesman Cian O’Callaghan said the budget failed to deliver affordable housing because it “lacks the ambition that is required”.
He said the Government should use the historically low interest rates by borrowing to directly build thousands of affordable homes.
But he said it included funding for just 400 cost rental homes and “provides more subsidies for developers and extends tax breaks for big funds”.
People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett said the headline figures sounded great but the detail of the budget "it doesn't actually do what's absolutely necessary".
He said it was “a very dangerous mistake” that the pandemic unemployment payment and the employment wage subsidy scheme had been cut.
Infection rates are rising and “hundreds of thousands of people” could again lose their jobs if further restrictions were imposed but was a “very serious undermining of the collective social solidarity that we need to deal with the threat of Covid-19”.


theirishtimes--2020-10-13--My Budget: A ‘missed opportunity’ for more remote working supports

A “ missed opportunity ” is how Simon Fine views the Government ’ s decision not to announce more budgetary supports for people working remotely from home during the pandemic .
Fine is a remote worker who also facilitates remote working by others through Dublin webcasting company DV4 .
Changes in how we work requires more than just covering running costs .
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said working remotely has become “ an essential part ” of the response to Covid-19 .
State measures include employees not facing a benefit-in-kind tax charge on up to €3.20 paid a day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from home .
A worker may claim a tax deduction for utility expenses such as gas or electricity where an employer does not make a contribution and , for this year , broadband is covered too .
Claims may also be made by workers for any other vouched expenses incurred “ wholly , exclusively and necessarily ” in the performance of the duties of the employment .
Fine believes the Government could introduce more for remote workers .
“ Forget the money for a minute – the money is one thing – but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acknowledgement in the way that people have changed how they have had to work and maybe the equipment or training or mental health supports they need , ” he said .
“ There is a lot more around remote working than ‘ there you go , there ’ s €3.20 ’ .
I am stuck in a chair 12 or 13 hours a day many days .
I have to force myself to get up and move around.
” Fine ’ s company , webcasting since 1998 , has hosted hundreds of Zoom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Green Party ’ s leadership contest this year to web-broadcasting to thousands of multinational workers .
He has seen the effects for poorly resourced remote workers .
Working from home requires new equipment , from proper headsets to ergonomic computer , desk and chair set-ups , that some employers and employees might not be able to afford as staff must work from cramped attic spaces or kitchen tables or couches at home .
Many workers are on Zoom calls from the start to the end of their working day , viewing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ files that may breach their monthly broadband caps .
Then there is the “ encroachment and sneaking of time ” into people ’ s lives where “ suddenly your home is your office ” and there is an expectation that “ you are only a Zoom away , ” says Fine .
There could have been specific supports introduced by the Government now that might even avoid “ a large health bill down the line ” arising from this shift to remote working .
“ It would have been quite proactive to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .

A "missed opportunity" is how Simon Fine views the Government's decision not to announce more budgetary supports for people working remotely from home during the pandemic.
Fine is a remote worker who also facilitates remote working by others through Dublin webcasting company DV4. Changes in how we work requires more than just covering running costs.
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said working remotely has become "an essential part" of the response to Covid-19. State measures include employees not facing a benefit-in-kind tax charge on up to €3.20 paid a day by employers towards their expenses of working from home.
A worker may claim a tax deduction for utility expenses such as gas or electricity where an employer does not make a contribution and, for this year, broadband is covered too.
READ MORE
Claims may also be made by workers for any other vouched expenses incurred “wholly, exclusively and necessarily” in the performance of the duties of the employment.
Fine believes the Government could introduce more for remote workers.
“Forget the money for a minute – the money is one thing – but it is a missed opportunity in the acknowledgement in the way that people have changed how they have had to work and maybe the equipment or training or mental health supports they need,” he said.
“There is a lot more around remote working than ‘there you go, there’s €3.20’. I am stuck in a chair 12 or 13 hours a day many days. I have to force myself to get up and move around.”
Fine’s company, webcasting since 1998, has hosted hundreds of Zoom calls and webcasts during the pandemic, from the Green Party’s leadership contest this year to web-broadcasting to thousands of multinational workers. He has seen the effects for poorly resourced remote workers.
Working from home requires new equipment, from proper headsets to ergonomic computer, desk and chair set-ups, that some employers and employees might not be able to afford as staff must work from cramped attic spaces or kitchen tables or couches at home.
Many workers are on Zoom calls from the start to the end of their working day, viewing and downloading videos, and transferring large files that may breach their monthly broadband caps.
Then there is the “encroachment and sneaking of time” into people’s lives where “suddenly your home is your office” and there is an expectation that “you are only a Zoom away,” says Fine.
There could have been specific supports introduced by the Government now that might even avoid “a large health bill down the line” arising from this shift to remote working.
“It would have been quite proactive to see things like that addressed in this budget,” he said.