The announcement of Budget 2005 has garnered a mixed reaction from health, welfare and business groups.
The anti-smoking campaign group, ASH, has criticised the Government's decision not to increase excise duties on tobacco in today's Budget.
Its chairman, Dr Luke Clancy, a leading consultant respiratory physician said it was 'a big mistake'.
The Irish Medical Organisation had sought an increase of €2 in excise duties on a pack of 20 cigarettes.
The Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI) has been disappointed by the Minister for Finance's decision not to reduce the excise duties on alcohol.
Meanwhile, the Irish Medical Organisation has expressed disappointment at the decision of the minister not to raise excise tax on alcohol products.
Dr Joe Barry, a public health specialist, said it was a lost opportunity to help relieve pressure on already overstretched A&E departments.
Mixed reaction to Budget from disability sector
There has been a mixed reaction to the Budget from those representing service providers in the disability sector and from representatives of the disabled and their families.
The Forum of People with Disabilities in Ireland has described the allocation of a €900 million multi-annual funding package for the disability sector as a positive move.
The Director of the Forum, Mary Keogh, said it would be examining closely how this money would be allocated.
But she also expressed disappointment that 'a cost of disability allowance', which the disability sector had been campaigning for, was not forthcoming.
NAMHI, the body which represents 160 organisations providing services and supports to people with intellectual disabilities, has welcomed the increase in funding for the sector.
IMPACT slams Govt over tax bands
Reacting to today’s Budget, the IMPACT trade union criticised the Government for failing to take more middle-income earners out of the top tax rate.
The union said the Government was unable to meet its election promise that 80% of workers would only pay tax at the standard rate because the richest 20% were not paying tax on their entire incomes.
Meanwhile, IBEC welcomed the Budget saying that it should help to maintain the economy on a reasonable growth path.
SIPTU’s General President said the Budget was unnecessarily cautious and Jack O’Connor claimed that those on the minimum wage would be back in the tax net when the next phase of the national wage agreement comes into play next year.
He also expressed disappointment at the failure of the Government to provide tax relief on childcare expenses to young working parents.
However, MANDATE, the trade union that represents thousands of workers primarily in the retail sector and the bar trade, welcomed the decision to take those on the national minimum wage out of the tax net.
The union's General Secretary, John Douglas, said that MANDATE was pleased that the Government had at last honoured its commitment in this regard.
Macra na Feirme welcomes stock relief measures
Macra na Feirme President, Thomas Honner, has welcomed the renewal of the stock relief measures for young farmers in today's Budget.
These measures were due to run out on 31 December of this year prior to today's announcement
Under the relief, young farmers can write off increases in the value of their stock against tax liability.
Macra also welcome the removal of stamp duty on land swaps.
INTO says class size target ignored
The INTO has criticised the Budget for doing nothing to meet the Programme for Government target to reduce class size.
The primary teacher's union said this was the third Budget where this promise was ignored.
It said the Government would reap a whirlwind of anger and resentment in the next election if this promise was not honoured.
