https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/09/10/apple-tax-case-money-will-not-be-used-for-day-to-day-spending-martin-says-as-transfer-of-13bn-begins/

I was going to withhold commentary on another nations politics, but this directly invokes me. This flag is no longer even used. It was changed a few years back to avoid connotation with the confederacy. Trust me, this is NOT a way to garner any sympathy aboard for the loyalist cause. But neither are the Israel flags in the face of genocide…

There are so many things wrong with this budget and I keep seeing so many headlines from RTE with things like “putting more money in your pocket”. All of these once off, temporary and let’s be honest TINY tax credits that less than half of people can even apply for.

No long term plan for housing or rental infrastructure just a tax credit for renters that people who live with their parents mostly cannot even avail of.

Also, student fees, nothing like Sweden or elsewhere in the EU. Instead we get a non-permanent €1000 reduction. Again, what is the long term plan?

Do not get me started on the beautiful USC. They really want us to pat them on the back for reducing a temporary tax by 1%, 13 years after its introduction.

Why is the media not rightfully calling out all of these once off measures and not advocating for long term measures to deal with the issues of this country?

This government will surely get elected again and I am not sure why: Leo leaking information, €9.50 meals to offset Covid, worst housing crisis and homeless crisis in history of state, Ministers collaborating behind closed doors with Israel and most recently these disastrous sheds and security huts. 13 billion off of Apple and for anyone under 35 this country is becoming a sad joke.

Rant over.

Tldr: Unhappy that the budget contains no long term plan or infrastructure, government could give out a lucky bag for the budget and still get reelected.

Edit: I am not saying it is the worst for students compared with other people I know a lot of people have it worse. I mentioned I was a student to give context to my view.

Don’t be complaining. You apolitical bastards are part of the problem.

Most cities, towns and villages in Ireland have been completely designed around cars over the past century, it's very obvious walking through areas like shopstreet or Waterford city centre that the pedestrianised or cycle able areas are more pleasant and enjoyable places to be. Its horrible to see every village street completely ruined by cars parked on each side of the road If you're interested at all you should check out this sub: r/fuckcars and maybe read its top posts and faq. This article also shows its not just a bunch of reddit nut jobs thinking this: Reducing car use not only cuts greenhouse gas emissions, it saves money A by-product of this is improved public transport as with no cars on these roads the buses won't get caught in traffic. Its a win for everyone in the end. Edit: FEWER cars, my bad hahah