Taoiseach warns of 'sobering' budget ahead as tension grows over student fee cuts
Taoiseach Micheál Martin revealed that the upcoming budget will be 'challenging', as the level of increased public spending seen in recent years is 'not sustainable under current conditions.'
Speaking in Japan, Mr Martin confirmed that he held a special meeting with Tánaiste Simon Harris, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe, and Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers over the weekend to discuss the upcoming budget and the updated National Development Plan.
'It was a sobering enough meeting, to be frank, in terms of the challenges that lie ahead, given the backdrop of tariffs and uncertainty in trade, and also the warnings we've received in terms of the once-off nature, or the temporary nature, perhaps, of certain corporation tax revenues,' Mr Martin said.
'So it's challenging, and expenditure has been rising very significantly in Ireland, and that has to be factored into the equation. We will be doing everything we can.'
When asked if this meant the Government would target specific areas of spending, Mr Martin said no agreement had been reached yet, noting that negotiations on the updated National Development Plan must happen first.
However, the Taoiseach stressed that the Government was not considering cuts to the overall budget, calling such suggestions 'completely removed from reality.'
The meeting followed a growing rift between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael over third-level education fees.
Mr Martin reiterated the coalition's commitment to reducing fees over the lifetime of the Government but warned that the lack of a cost-of-living package complicates the issue.
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Tánaiste hits back at minister as college fees row heats up
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