Memorable Budgets - 2000, Giveaway budget

Giveaway Budget

Billed as the greatest giveaway budget in the history of the state, Minister for Finance Charlie McCreevy introduced enormous tax benefits. The most controversial aspect of this budget was the tax discrimination in favour of working couples. Under this proposal, to be introduced over three budgets, households with two spouses working would receive more favourable tax benefits than households where one spouse stays at home.

Details of Budget

RTÉ's economics editor George Lee reports on the details of Charlie McCreevy's budget.

Budget Viewed From Fatima Mansions

Audrey McMahon and Dorothy Walker, residents of Fatima Mansions in Dublin, watch the budget and explain what it will mean for them.

"It Is About Society and the Way We Live in This Country"

The studio panel on RTÉ's "Prime Time" special debate the implications of the changes in the taxation system introduced by the budget.

McCreevy and Noonan on Individualisation

Minister for Finance Charlie McCreevy defends the individualisation measures in his budget on the grounds that a married couple on the average industrial wage will have an extra £40 a week take-home pay. Michael Noonan of Fine Gael argues that this measure is socially divisive and will see Irish society change from one based on community and family to one based on the individual.

"And so it is, and so it Should be in my View"

Charlie McCreevy gives his reasons for changing the tax system to favour married couples with both spouses working.

"It is Not the Budget Itself, it is the Philosophy Behind it"

Sandra and Marie, callers to RTÉ's "Liveline", outline their opposition to Charlie McCreevy's changes to the tax system.