Budget 2014 – in summary

Public sector numbers

The minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, Brendan Howlin, announced that 2014 would see an increase in public sector numbers which he described as a ‘reform dividend’, and said this had been made possible by savings delivered across the whole of public service. Read IMPACT reaction HERE.
As a result, he announced there would be some recruitment in schools, health services and gardaí in 2014. The minister is to publish a revised public service plan by end of this year, which he said would focus on “service delivery and outcomes.”
Increased staff for the Garda vetting service, and new Garda recruitment programme next year.

1,250 new classroom and resource teachers in 2014
No increase in class sizes in primary or secondary schools
The Department of Education and Skills is to receive €5 million from the proceeds of the National Lottery Licence transaction to allow primary schools to invest in book rental schemes.
Spending on the DEIS scheme has been ring-fenced with no changes to staffing or funding of disadvantaged schools.
Spending on supports for children with special educational needs remains at €1.3 billion.

There are no increases to income tax, the universal social charge, and no increase in duty on petrol, diesel, home heating oil or gas.
There will be no increase VAT in 2014 and the air travel tax will be abolished from April 2014.
Beer and spirits measures up by 10c, wine up 50 cent per 75cl bottle.
All tax relief on ex gratia lump sum payments has been abolished.

Maternity benefit payments standardised at €230 a week – a reduction for some.
Single parent tax credit to be replaced with single person credit for principal carer only
Medical insurance tax relief has been capped at €1000 per adult, and €500 per child
A free GP scheme for children aged 5 and under is to be initiated
Home renovation tax incentive scheme will give tax credit to homeowners carrying out works on their homes in 2014 and 2015