There has been a broad welcome to Brian Cowen’s budget from social, education and industrial bodies.
Second-level teachers' unions have said they are disappointed today's budget has not given anything to special needs education or increased the numbers of educational psychologists working with schools.
The ASTI and the TUI say Brian Cowen has also failed to address the fact that Ireland comes 21st out of 30 OECD countries when it comes to spending at second-level.
The TUI says there should have been provision to deal with what it calls the 'glaring problem' of under funding for Information Technology in schools.
John Mullins, Chief Executive, Bioverda, the bioenergy division of NTR plc, has welcomed the increased support for the bio-fuels sector announced in today’s Budget.
He said: 'In particular we welcome the continuation, for a further five years, of the corporation tax incentives for companies involved in renewable energy.
'This, along with the incentives announced in the bio-fuels supply chain, should serve to assist with continued investment in the sector.
'The measures announced should serve to assist, in the medium to long term, in developing a real alternative in Ireland to existing fossil fuels, which is a much needed requirement.'
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has welcomed the assistance given to first time house buyers, including those who have already bought, in today’s Budget.
The CIF’s Director General, Liam Kelleher, said: 'Doubling the thresholds for mortgage interest relief will assist first time buyers by €133 for a married couple and €66.50 for a single person.
'The measure therefore will facilitate first time home ownership for those wishing to gain a foothold on the property ladder and in a way that will not impact house prices.
'It will also underpin an active housing market in 2007 and support the retention of government revenues from the sector'.
