The Regional Grouping of TDs including Tipperary TD Michael Lowry is to meet with Government Ministers today to discuss a range of measures they are seeking in next month’s budget.
Free public transport for students, 0 per cent loans for home retrofitting, social welfare increases and tax relief for workers will be among the demands.
The pre budget submission from the Regional Independent Group comes at a time when the Government has lost its Dáil majority.
Government numbers currently stand at 79, one short of a Dáil majority.
The loss of the majority is expected to be temporary as Green Party TDs Neasa Hourigan and Patrick Costello are due to return to party whip in November.
Among the group’s suggestions are free public transport for third-level students and apprentices, a State-sponsored loan scheme with 0 per cent interest rates to help households bridge the gap between State grants for deep home energy efficiency retrofits as a climate action measure.
The Regional Independents are seeking changes to the PRSI system including removing an “anomaly” where people are less well off when they enter the €18,300 to €22,000 salary range due to the additional PRSI they pay.
They also want a change in the income tax bands to ensure it pays for people to go to work and an increase to social welfare payments.
Government Ministers will also meet with business organisations including Chambers Ireland, Retail Excellence and Ibec later this week.
These groups are seeking an improved performance on housing delivery, plans to address skills shortages in the workforce, a VAT reduction to 21 per cent and supports around energy costs for small operators, who could see their businesses become unsustainable due to high electricity prices expected this winter.
