Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty TD, has said that Sinn Féin’s alternative budget proposals launched today are an action plan to tackle the cost of living.

Teachta Doherty said:

“The cost-of-living crisis is not over. Sinn Féin’s alternative budget is an action plan to tackle the cost of living.

“Our alternative budget outlines how Sinn Féin will spend and tax in a fair way. A way that gives workers and families a break. And puts money back into people’s pockets.

“We show how this can be done at the same time as investing in strong public services.

“Housing is our number one priority. In recent months, we launched a comprehensive Housing policy to end the housing crisis.

“After that, we launched our childcare policy. To give all parents access to childcare at €10 a day per child. A move that would be a game-changer for families.

“Now we are also announcing our fair tax package for workers. Our flagship tax proposal is to abolish the USC on the first 45,000 you earn. This is a cost-of-living measure.

“We want to abolish USC on all income up to the average wage. That would benefit every worker. All workers will feel the benefit of this measure with USC removed off all or most of their income.

“We would deliver this over a term of government. This would start with a big first step of removing USC on the first 30,000 you earn.

“What the alternative budget process allows us to do is to show that it all fits together.

“It is a fully costed set of budget proposals. No other opposition party provides this level of detail for voters.

“We do this to show what change looks like and to give people hope. To show people that a better way is possible. That there is an alternative, and how we can deliver it.

“I urge the government to look at our proposals and make the necessary decisions to make immediate and long-lasting benefits to workers and families.”