Simon Harris: No Fuel Excise Hike, Jobs Target & Cancer Protections
Simon Harris outlines four practical decisions taken this week to ease pressure on families, support patients, grow jobs and protect cancer survivors. He says the government will not increase excise on petrol or diesel now, the HSE will reimburse Skyclaris, a financial services jobs plan is launched, and right to be forgotten legislation has been commenced.
Fuel relief and breathing space
Simon Harris confirms there will be no increase in excise on petrol, diesel or green diesel in September and October. He says now is not the right time and that halting an excise rise is intended to provide breathing space for families, motorists and businesses.
Medication clarity for patients
The minister highlights the HSE decision to reimburse Skyclaris, describing it as a welcome step for patients with Friedreich ataxia and their families. He expresses hope that the reimbursement and the medication itself will make a real difference for those affected.
Jobs plan for financial services
Simon Harris launches a target to grow employment in the financial services sector to 70,000 by 2030, up from 35,000 in 2015. He frames continued growth in the sector as a key economic priority to create opportunities and sustain long-term employment.
Protections for cancer survivors
This week Simon Harris signed the statutory instruments to commence the right to be forgotten legislation. The measure is designed to ensure cancer survivors cannot be discriminated against when it comes to insurance or mortgage protection cover.
Summary
Simon Harris summarises four practical steps taken this week intended to reduce cost pressures, deliver healthcare clarity, boost jobs in financial services and protect survivors of cancer from future discrimination.
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Hi there, I just wanted to give you a quick update on some things we've made progress on this week. Firstly, in relation to fuel, we made a decision to not increase excise on petrol or diesel. Now is not the right time. We need to provide breathing space for families, for motorists, for businesses. This means no increase in excise of petrol or diesel or green diesel in the month of September, October, providing that breathing space uncertainty. Secondly, the HSE made a decision to reimburse Skyclaris, a really important decision that I know has been welcomed by patients who have Friedrich ataxia and their families. I hope this clarity will make a real difference and indeed I hope the medication will make a real difference too. Thirdly, we've launched a plan to increase the number of jobs in the financial services sector to 70,000 by 2030. It was 35,000 in 2015. Continuing to grow jobs is really, really important. And fourthly, I signed the statutory instruments this week to commence the right to be forgotten legislation, really important legislation for those who survived cancer to make sure they can never be discriminated against when it comes to insurance or mortgage protection cover. Four practical steps we've taken this week that I hope make a real difference.
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