Main Points Budget 2013

Property tax of 0.18% on property up to €1m and 0.25% on property over €1million. Child benefit reduced by €10 per month No increase on diesel or petrol. Increases across the board on vehicle tax and VRT. Extending carbon tax to solid fuels - €10 per tonne from May and €20 per tonne in May 2014. No change to income tax. 10c on pint beer, cider, measure of spirits and pack of cigarettes, 50c on 25g pack tobacco and €1 on bottle of wine. Social welfare payment will not be reduced. Duration of Jobseeker's Benefit to be reduced by three months Student contribution in higher education will be increased by €250 in each of the years 2013, 2014, 2015 Prescription charge for medical card holders to be increased from €0.50 to €1.50 per item -monthly cap for a family increased from €10 to €19.50 Drug Payment Scheme threshold is being increased from€132 to €144 per month. Over 70's with income of €600-€700 p/wk for single person and €1,200-€1,400 p/wk for couple - medical card replaced with a GP only card.