The Rural Independent group of TDs are seeking the abolition of the Universal Social Charge(USC) tax and the creation of Irish Tax-Free Savings Account(s) in it’s pre budget submission.
Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath, Leader of the Rural Independent Group of TDs, says the group wants extra support for carers in the form of increasing the Carer’s Support Grant to €2,500, increasing the weekly payment by €30, and extending the Carers GP Visit Card.
In addition, the group wants investment in roads of €1.9B in 2024. Sheep farmers would get a dedicated €35 per Ewe Scheme and an additional €300 million is being sought for Areas of Natural Restraint to support sustainable agriculture.
The group is including a demand that the government commit to not reducing the suckler herd.
In the immediate future the group are asking for a €600 energy credit scheme for all households funded by windfall energy taxes in addition to a €30 increase in all core social welfare payments, with a specific focus on enhancing the old-age pension and all disability payments in Budget 2024
The Group consists of 6 TDs in total and also includes Richard O’Donoghue, Limerick, Michael Collins Cork South West, Carol Nolan Laois Offaly and Michael and Danny Healy Rae the two brothers serving as Independent TDs in Kerry.
