Charlie McCreevy's third budget included a tax cut package of £950 million.

The most controversial elements of the budget affected the low paid and families with children. The low-paid got the least and the well-paid with no dependents got the most. A radical change in the tax system was seen as a move against one-income families. The top tax rate will now be paid by a single worker once they earn £17,000, by two income families once they earn £34,000, and by one income families when they earn £28,000. The minister believes that this will encourage stay-at-home spouses to take jobs outside the home.

On top of these changes the minister announced a £8 increase in child benefit payments, a £7 increase in the old-age pension, and a £4 increase in unemployment benefit.

A RTÉ News report on the measures introduced in budget 2000.This report was broadcast on 1 December, 1999.

Copyright RTÉ. This material may not be replicated in any form or manner without the prior express permission of RTÉ. Any form of reproduction in print, television, video, multimedia, web site or other electronic media or any form of dissemination for commercial or non-commercial use must be licensed by the RTÉ Archives.

If you wish to licence video or audio clips, still images or text, or would like further guidance please contact us.

RTÉ Archives are committed to respecting the copyright of others and have attempted to source and credit the copyright owners of all material used here. RTÉ would like to hear from any copyright owners who are not properly identified here so that the necessary corrections can be made. If you feel your copyright has not been respected please contact us.