Children’s Perspective of Budget 2018

Abstract

Budget 2018 has provided some small gains for families, such as funding for frontline health services and investment in housing supports. However, it is disappointing that it fails to provide real solutions for the major challenges facing children today. The Government has not delivered on promises of a new era of politics. Budget 2018 lacks clear vision and ambition to advance children’s rights. In an effort to appease everyone it fails to create genuine opportunities or build solid foundations for children to thrive. The reductions in the rates of USC and increases in the standard rate tax band amount to a miniscule increase in take home pay for workers - roughly €4 per week, at a cost of approximately €335million to the state. These funds would be far better invested in services and could ensure clear waiting lists ensuring rapid access to health services, providing a truly free primary school system and significantly increase investment in early childhood care and education giving all children the best possible start in life.