A Clare Government TD insists measures such as tax breaks will be included in Budget 2026 to address the rising cost-of-living.
It comes as the Minister for Finance has suggested that one-off measures will be phased out and replaced with longer-term solutions in next month’s budget.
The party think-ins for both Fine Gael and Sinn Féin are continuing today, with the Tánaiste’s party assembled in Mullingar.
Budget 2026 is top of the agenda at the forum and housing, infrastructure, children’s disability services and special education are understood to be dominating discussions.
Simon Harris has emphasised that it’s the current government’s first Budget and in it, they intend to show their values.
These, he says, include “protecting our economy, protecting jobs, building homes and infrastructure, delivering for working families and helping our carers, disabled people, older people and those most in need”.
The Government has been consistent in its message that in a departure from previous budget, this one won’t include cost-of-living measures such as energy credits.
Bodyke Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney, meanwhile, says supports will be provided to those struggling with the cost-of-living.
Sinn Féin’s think-in is taking place in Dun Laoghaire where all eyes are on the presidential election.
Following long speculation, party leader Mary Lou McDonald has this week ruled herself out of entering the contest but hasn’t confirmed whether or not the party will run a candidate.
It’s understood this decision will be made at Sinn Féin’s Ard Chomhairle on September 20th, with Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill, party Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty and Enterprise, Tourism and Employment spokesperson Rose Conway-Walsh among the names being discussed.
Shannon Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan says she’ll be guided by the views expressed by the party’s membership.
Listen to the full interview here
