Budget 2020, the main points of interest

FINANCE Minister Paschal Donohoe has presented his Budget 2020 speech to Dàil Èireann and the main points are as follows:

* Petrol and diesel prices to increase from midnight by 2 cents per litre with home heating oil being hiked from May.

* Packet to 20 cigarettes goes up by 50 cents. No increase in alcohol prices.

* Help to Buy Scheme for first time house buyers extended to December 2021.

* Parents will benefit from €54 million investment in childcare and early learning.

* Free GP care for children under 8.

* 700 new gardai to be appointed in €81 million investment.

* 1,000 extra SNAs and 400 teachers to be appointed to support special needs education.

* No changes to income tax.

* All social welfare recipient to receive a 100% Christmas bonus.