Deputy Michael Lowry and his colleagues in the Independent Regional Group of TDs have submitted an ambitious pre-budget proposal for 2025.
It highlights the critical need for enhanced support for Regional Development, family farms, carers, and people with disabilities.
The submission wants regional development to rejuvenate towns and villages, financial measures to encourage the succession and transfer of family assets especially farms, an increase in the Carer’s Support Grant and the introduction of a cost of disability payment and a Comprehensive Strategy for a Better Future for people in general that prioritises sustainability, community well-being, and social inclusion with improved access to essential services such as healthcare and education.
The Group are looking for Sustainable Housing Initiatives with increased support for people with disabilities and funding to refurbish vacant properties, an expansion of education and training opportunities, investment in health and mental health services, including dementia supports and long COVID clinics, tax measures to benefit middle income earners and reforms to public procurement and incentives for research and development to ensure Small and Medium Enterprises can thrive.
The Regional Independents are a total of nine TDs that have speaking rights and Question Time with the Taoiseach as they have more than five members.
Two of the group Denis Naughton and Peter Fitzpatrick will not be contesting the next General Election.
The remaining members as of now are Michael Lowry (Tipperary); Sean Canney (Galway East); Peadar Tóibín (Meath West); Verona Murphy (Wexford); Noel Grealish (Galway West); Cathal Barry (Kildare South); and Matt Shanahan (Waterford).
