Budget reflections

Sir, – On Budget morning, I asked myself if Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman would fulfil his promise of ensuring that no parent should pay more than their mortgage for childcare. Alas, this was not the case. In fact, it seems that creche fees are to be frozen at their highest rates in history and that childcare providers are to be compensated for whatever inconvenience this may cause. – Yours, etc,

PATRICK FLOOD,

Dublin 16.

Sir, – Thank God we have got the Budget. I know we are facing days of postmortem, but it is the continuous speculation and “pre-mortem” that I hate! – Yours, etc,

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MARGARET BUTLER,

Booterstown,

Co Dublin.

Sir, – The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council has criticised the Government for basing future growth on ever-increasing and unsustainable levels of borrowing – an additional €19 billion by 2025. Who is going to pay this money back and how and at what cost to future generations?

Surely our political leaders need to take a more responsible approach and to set out their plans to repay our debts and give the next generation of young people in Ireland a decent chance to make decent living. – Is mise,

AODH O’CONNOR,

Perrystown,

Dublin 12 .