Generous measures are 'simply making up ground'

Staff nurse Naomi Nicholl (27) says she is "disappointed overall" by the Budget. "This was supposed to be the caring Budget, and I'm definitely pleased by moves like raising the standard tax bands, helping those on minimum wage, and looking to those trying to buy their first home," she says.

"But to be honest, I don't think enough has been done, considering what the last two Budgets did. A lot of these generous measures are simply making up ground."

Naomi's main worry reflects the "laudable" measure made towards helping the disabled.

"I think it's great that there has been such a focus on disabilities, but these will amount to empty promises on paper if there isn't staff to help implement them.

"Let's look at what's on offer - more residential paces, more home support, more day places. If this works then that's great, but there has been no employment retention initiative to encourage trained staff to stay in Ireland and implement these new policies."

An extra €2 million has been set aside to cover the cost of additional staff needed to transfer patients who have been placed in inappropriate institutions. Naomi welcomes this move but is concerned this is only meeting the shortfall and not providing the money needed to stop the steady stream of Irish nurses leaving the country.

"I am really pleased that there has been such a focus on the disabled, though. The extra staff issue is only one factor, but still an important one."

She was also hoping for more recognition for carers. "Carers help take the pressure off nurses and I didn't hear much mentioned about them. Any pressure on us passes on to them and I had been hoping for something. This is the 'caring Budget' after all. Perhaps there will be something in 2005."

Naomi was pleased at the World Aids Day payment. "I have friends who work in this area and ... social taboos in the past caused problems for funding and support.

"Thankfully that has been broken down over recent years and this is evident in the success of World Aids Day. It was great way for the Government to use the day that was in it, and any promotion for the cause is fantastic."