“Irish Government Budget May Turn into Populist Election Manifesto”
Dublin: Finance Minister Jack Chambers and Social Welfare Minister have hinted that this year’s government budget will serve as an ‘election manifesto’ with numerous popular declarations.
Support for Those Affected by Cost of Living
Both ministers indicated that the budget would focus on those suffering due to the high cost of living, offering welfare packages for healthcare carers, the disabled, working families, and pensioners.
Highest Allocation for Social Welfare
The Social Welfare Minister announced that this budget would feature the highest allocation for social welfare in history, with the government earmarking 1.25 billion euros for this sector.
Finance Minister Jack Chambers emphasised that his first budget would highlight a cost-of-living package. Despite a drop in inflation to 1.5%, many still struggle financially, necessitating a comprehensive social welfare package.
Expansion of the Hot School Meals Programme
Plans are in place to extend the hot school meal programme to all primary school children. Schools are being contacted, and the government is aware of the increased costs faced by families. However, there will be no increase in pension payments this time, following a 12-euro increase in the last two budgets.
Inheritance Tax Changes and Popular Measures
While hinting at changes in inheritance tax, the Finance Minister refrained from revealing specific details about the tax package. He assured that the budget would include several popular measures, to be disclosed later.
The coalition government’s final budget is scheduled to be presented on October 1, a week earlier than initially planned. This will be the first budget for Jack Chambers, who recently assumed the role of Finance Minister. Chambers dismissed rumours of early general elections, asserting that the government will serve its full term until March next year.
European Commission and ECOFIN Meetings
The budget presentation date was chosen to ensure timely submission of the Fiscal Budgetary Submission to the European Commission by October 15. The week before, Chambers and Minister Dono are set to attend the ECOFIN and Eurogroup meetings. Prime Minister Simon Harris has reiterated that the budget will be presented on October 1, aligning with the ECOFIN meeting and the European Finance Ministers’ Conference scheduled for October 8.
Focus Areas
Chambers assured that his first budget would comprehensively address housing, affordability, support for renters, and raising the standard of living.
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