Families, women, carers and children prioritised in Budget 2025

Fianna Fáil Louth election candidate, Drogheda woman Alison Comyn, says families, women and children have been especially prioritised in Budget 2025, with extra measures supporting carers to alleviate pressures caused by the increased cost of living.

Parents will see two double payments of Child Benefit in November and December, as well as a €15 weekly increase in maternity, paternity and parents’ benefit, and a €400 lump sum for those in receipt of the working family payment.

“We are aware of the immense pressure families are under with the cost of living, so steps have been taken to protect the most vulnerable in society, giving families and households a break, safeguarding the economy and preparing for the future,” says Comyn.

“We want to cushion people, families, pensioners and businesses from the impact of inflation over recent years. That is why we are giving every household €250 in energy credits this winter”.

Students will benefit from €1,000 off their college fees and postgraduate students will see their fee contribution grant increase from €4,000 to €5,000.

Meanwhile younger children will receive hot meals in school, free school books and free school transport for pupils under nine years of age.

“Education should be truly accessible for all, wo we have fully expanded the free school books scheme to cover all children in primary and secondary school, easing the financial burden on families, and have increased investment in infrastructure, staffing, and special needs education including an additional 1,600 SNAs and 750 Special Education teachers,” she says.

“Free Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) products will be a game changer for women, saving up to €840 a year, and the IVF scheme will be expanded to offer a chance to start a family”.

The Louth Fianna Fáil candidate also says Budget 2025 shows a welcome increase in much-needed supports for family carers.

 “This Budget clearly shows the Government values and recognises the vital role family carers play in providing care provision as well as the additional strain many have been under during the pandemic. The increase in weekly payments and widening of access to supports for more family carers is welcome progress,” adds Ms Comyn.

“It provides an increase in the Carer's Allowance means test limits to €625 per week for a single person and €1,250 per week for a couple. In addition to this the Carer's Support Grant will be increased to €2,000”.