JAMES IS a single person in his early 30s living with his elderly parents in Co Meath.

James was made redundant from his job as a construction worker in early 2009 and has since been receiving the jobseeker’s benefit.

He is finding it very difficult to make ends meet and is reliant on his parents for additional support.

James is disappointed that Mr Lenihan did not increase the level of jobseekers benefit available to him, but is relieved that the Minister has not decided to means test his entitlement to receive it.

He is also disappointed that the Minister has increased the rate of duty on a packet of 20 cigarettes by 25 cents, with effect from midnight.

He is also disappointed that the Minister did not introduce measures designed to ease the PRSI burden for employers in hiring new staff, as this may mean that employers are less likely to hire new staff, which might make it more difficult for him to find work.