Initial Budget Reaction
09 December 2009
Speaking after the announcement of Minister Lenihan Budget 2010 Macra na Feirme National President Michael Gowing has said that “budget 2010 which was billed as being the toughest in living memory has certainly lived up to this title” the budget generally failed to deliver for young farmers in terms of reinstating installation aid and dealing with hardship cases.
Mr Gowing highlighted that Irish farmers have been shouldering more than their fair share over the past few years and it is high time the government realised the potential Irish agriculture has to drag Ireland out of the depths of this recession! Changes to the excise taxes would hopefully see fewer consumers heading north to do their shopping which will have a positive effect on Irish economy.
The introduction of a property tax and the abolition of mortgage interest relief by 2017 could have an impact on young people intending to establish a home in the future.
Prior to the budget announcement the Minister for Finance, Brian Lenihan, had confirmed that the Budget would reduce spending by €4 billion.
Mr Gowing stressed that with the cuts to capital spending being reduced, the Government will have to spend the 2010 budget wisely, in Macra’s opinion the Government must do more to aid young people starting out in farming and in other professions, young people must be given the support to generate new business and aid in Ireland’s economic recovery.
