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The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Latest Budget 2026 blow with ‘won't repeat' €2.6bn social welfare cost of living alert amid €140 Child Benefit shake-up
THERE will be no multibillion euro cost of living busting package of support for households in the upcoming budget due to concerns that a Trump slump will wipe out Ireland's corporation taxes. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe confirmed Budget 2026 "will not repeat" another €2.2 billion of living package, saying past budgets introduced measures when inflation was at highs of five, 10 or 15 per cent. 4 Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe, Tanaiste Simon Harris and Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers Credit: Cillian Sherlock/PA Wire 4 Taoiseach Micheal Martin also ruled out a repeat of the bonanza cost-of-living package Credit:The Government has instead this year leaned more towards the possible Donohoe said he is "well aware" of the impact of the cost of living crisis but said there are risks when it comes to funding permanent measures with tax receipts that may not always be available in the future. With concerns that Trump's tariffs could wreak havoc on the Irish economy, Donohoe warned that there will be no repeat of the cost of living supports of the past. This is despite the Dail hearing yesterday how skyrocketing grocery prices is leaving people struggling to keep their heads above water. READ MORE IN MONEY Speaking to RTE's Morning Ireland, Donohoe said: "I'm absolutely well aware of the impact of the "I see it and I experience that. I know the difficulty it poses for many, for very many in our country." He added: "What every budget has done is it finds different ways of helping with the cost of living. "But I have to make the case again here today that the kind of measures that we've had in the past of €2.5 billion packages. MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN "Packages of that scale were in place when we had inflation of five, 10, 15 percent. And we should not and I believe will not repeat that again. Major warning over emergency social welfare scam texts as thousands could be targeted "But we will find other ways, budget by budget and over four to five budgets instead, helping with and responding back to the needs within our society." The Budget 2025 package - the - was made up of a mixture of increased payments, 10 for social welfare recipients, a minimum wage increase and tax changes. It included two double payments handed out before Christmas, €400 extra for carers and €300 for those on Budget 2025 also provided an additional October cost-of-living double payment as well as the usual social welfare Christmas bonus. But Donohoe and Public Expenditure Minister previously admitted that they are reluctant to make any spending or taxation decisions in Budget 2026 that "create new risks". This means that the social welfare bonus payments and energy credits of recent budgets will not be a feature of this year's budget announcements. ECONOMY 'CHALLENGES' Sinn Fein's In response, Tanaiste Simon Harris claimed the Government were already helping people with the cost of living through measures like the carers grant, the back to school allowance and the pay increase for public sector workers – all of which will be paid out over the summer. The Fine Gael leader admitted that there will be no repeat of the support packages of recent budgets but there will be moves to help people cope with the cost of living through different measures that are currently up for negotiation. Donohoe said there are "challenges" ahead for the Irish economy as price hikes, "recessionary trends" and the He said different scenarios for the Irish economy - where tariffs were and were not permanently applied by the US - have been taken into account. Anything we do in this space needs to be targeted and focused on those on low incomes, particularly workers." Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary Donohoe explained: "What we remain to see yet is what the United States assessment will be, which is why it's important that we have surplus in our public finances and we have so many people at work. "These are the kind of challenges that we could need to confront but I have confidence that we can do that." Taoiseach of the €2.6 billion cost-of-living package unveiled in 2025. He declared: "Our agenda and objective in the budget, when it comes in the autumn, will be again to provide within the social protection payment programme and in terms of taxation, to do what we can to alleviate the pressures on people." 'TARGETED' BUDGET EFFORTS The news of a more cautious budget comes as Minister for Social Protection He vowed that any changes made to the The Fianna Fail TD said the Programme for Government includes a "range of measures" to support children and their families in Budget 2026. He explained: "One such commitment is to explore a targeted child benefit payment and examine the interaction this would have with existing targeted supports to reduce child poverty. "Existing supports include the Calleary said the Department of Social Protection is examining a targeted 'OUT OF CONTROL' PRICING By GRAINNE Ni AODHA THE "crazy" increase in the cost of everyday food items has been raised in the Dail, as the opposition accused the Government of being inactive on the issue. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said that in the past year, butter had become a euro more expensive, a kilo of Irish cheddar was up 57 cents, and two litres of milk was up 27 cents. She cited figures in the Irish Times that indicated a kilo of chicken had cost €4.99 euro in 2022 and now costs €11. "That's just crazy," she said, telling the Dail that prices were "out of control". "Many households are now paying 3,000 euros extra a year in the supermarket than they were in 2021." She accused the Government of having "failed to exert any real pressure" on retailers, after a junior minister handling the issue was "unceremoniously ignored". The Dublin Central TD blasted: "Your latest plan, it seems, is to do absolutely nothing, to stick your head in the sand, allow people to be ripped off week in and week out. "Let me just give you some more CSO data - over five years, sugar is up 54 per cent. "A filet of cod, up 55 per cent, pork sausages 21 per cent, lamb 48 per cent, spaghetti up 46 per cent. "Nothing has changed, people are still to the pin of their collar." He explained: "Táimid ag obair ar an two-tier payment. We are looking at that but there is quite a lot of work involved and it is a complex issue to examine." The The €140 flat payment will still be paid to everyone, regardless of income. Calleary said the Department of Social Protection needs to work "collectively" with other Government Departments to ensure there are no "unintended consequences" as a result of the payment. He explained: "If we are to do this, people cannot lose out. We have to look at expanding the working family payment and the child support payment as part of targeted measures. "Anything we do in this space needs to be targeted and focused on those on low incomes, particularly workers. "We have to ensure that people do not get a lower payment under a new system than they are currently getting. "That could be an unintended consequence of some of the work we have seen today." 'EXPANSIONARY PACKAGE' Tanaiste Simon Harris told colleagues that the Budget will be an "expansionary package" and most of the measures will take effect next January. Speaking at Wednesday's Although nothing has been confirmed and Harris said decisions have yet to be made, he told the meeting that the VAT rate for small businesses will be cut permanently in the Budget. He also said childcare fees must be permanently reduced over the lifetime of this government. Harris also said the cost of education, across all levels, must be reduced along with healthcare costs, and significant progress should be made in children's disability services and special education. 4 Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe said the specific cost of living package seen in past budgets were when inflation was higher Credit: REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne 4 Donohoe said there are 'challenges' ahead for the Irish economy Credit: Getty Images - Getty
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Brendan Howlin takes over as new Chair of Wexford Arts Centre board
The former Minister for Public Expenditure replaces the outgoing Chair Rosemary Hartigan who retires after nine years at the helm. In an official statement, Wexford Arts Centre officially welcomed Mr Howlin as 'a lifelong supporter of the arts'. "His deep appreciation for culture and belief in the transformative power of the arts will be a guiding force as Wexford Arts Centre enters its next chapter,' it read. 'With his wealth of experience in governance and public policy, and his strong local ties, Brendan's leadership will support the Centre's ongoing mission - Arts for All, Arts for Life - and to inspire creativity, promote participation, and nurture artistic excellence throughout Wexford and the wider Southeast region." The management of Wexford Arts Centre was fulsome in its praise of the outgoing Chair. "Throughout her tenure, Rosemary has been a supportive presence—working collaboratively with Elizabeth Whyte, Executive Director, staff, fellow board members, artists, and community stakeholders to help guide the centre through an exciting and transformative decade including the celebration of Wexford Arts Centre's 50th anniversary as the oldest regional arts centre in Ireland,' the statement read. 'Her leadership coincided with a period of significant growth, including the construction and completion of the new extension including enhanced access, expansion of visual, performance arts and outreach programmes, greater community engagement, and vital adaptation during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. "With a steady, behind-the-scenes approach, Rosemary championed governance, supported funding and development efforts, and contributed to the strategic planning that has helped position Wexford Arts Centre as a leading regional arts venue with national and international partnerships.' In her final address to the Board, Ms Hartigan acknowledged the valuable contribution of past and present members, the dedicated team of staff, artists, volunteers, funders and wider community partners who have worked alongside her over the years to ensure the Arts Centre's success. Wexford Arts Centre is also seeking to appoint a new Director of Finance to replace Craig O'Toole who is stepping down after five years in the role and he was also thanked for his guidance and contribution to the centre's good governance during his tenure.
Irish Times
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Patrick O'Donovan admonished for bringing ‘substantial' issues to Cabinet without telling colleagues
Minister for Culture Patrick O'Donovan was admonished by Department of Public Expenditure officials for bringing 'substantial expenditure' issues such as the failed Arts Council IT project to Cabinet without sharing details with colleagues in advance. A senior official in Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers's department complained that, under Government procedures, such important policy issues should be flagged and seen 'well before' these are considered by Ministers. Marianne Cassidy, an assistant secretary at the department, said this was the second time Mr O'Donovan brought a major item to Cabinet 'under the arm', meaning it was not shared in advance with other colleagues. The abandoned project, which led to more than €5.3 million being written off by the State , first came to light in February when Mr O'Donovan brought a memo on the matter to Cabinet. He was only weeks into his new role as a senior minister, and it soon emerged that his predecessor, Catherine Martin , was aware of the matter since summer last year. READ MORE The Department of Public Expenditure became aware of Mr O'Donovan's intention to bring the issue to Cabinet five days before this occurred. On Friday, February 7th, Ms Cassidy wrote to the Department of Culture to say her team understood Mr O'Donovan's memo 'will bring serious issues to the attention of Government'. She said the Department of Public Expenditure still had not seen the memo or been made aware of its detail, despite it appearing that these issues had been under consideration by the Department of Culture 'for a while'. 'As a result, it will not be possible to consider them and advise our Minister in relation to them,' said the letter, released under Freedom of Information laws. The letter noted Mr O'Donovan's proposal to spend €10 million bringing an NFL American football game to Croke Park in September had also gone to Cabinet that same week 'under the arm'. It said this practice 'makes it very difficult for this department, and indeed for Government generally, to thoroughly and properly consider issues and their implications, particularly regarding substantial expenditure implications and serious governance issues'. 'This Department should be allowed time, in compliance with government procedures, to properly scrutinise important policy issues ... well before they are table [sic] for consideration by Government,' it said. The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer at the Department of Public Expenditure had been liaising with the Arts Council throughout the project. At one point, this office had raised concerns that a key person involved in the project seemed to have 'little to no relevant expertise in this particular area'. In a statement, Mr O'Donovan's department said in the case of the NFL and the Arts Council issues 'there were time pressures involved which required the issues to be brought to Government at short notice'. Codec, the international IT company, has confirmed to The Irish Times it is one of four contractors now facing legal action initiated by the Arts Council over the botched project , which led to €6.75 million being spent on a new grant processing system that never materialised. The firm has strongly rejected an Arts Council briefing paper, shared under Freedom of Information laws, that alleged Codec did 'substandard' work on the project and was 'difficult' to engage with. Codec, one of the main contractors, has defended its work on the project. It said it 'fully delivered' on the scope and deliverables and built a system that was 'high quality, fully functioning according to spec'. 'Codec denies that it has any liability to the Arts Council for any alleged losses which the Arts Council claims it may have suffered,' the company said. It said it has received a notice of intent from the Arts Council to commence arbitration and has confirmed its intention to participate. 'Despite several requests, the Arts Council has been unwilling to provide Codec with the report prepared by an auditor examining the project on its behalf,' it also said. An Arts Council spokeswoman said it has 'commenced proceedings against two companies and we are in pre-action stage with two further companies'.
Irish Independent
10-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Council buy 20 homes in Ardee under Housing for All scheme
Jack Chambers TD, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform & Digitalisation, officially opened Louth County Council's new housing scheme at Quarry Court, John Street, Ardee on Friday, 6th June 2025. The scheme, consisting of 20 new A2-rated residential homes, was purchased by Louth County Council's Housing Delivery Section, utilising Social Housing Capital Investment Programme (SHCIP) funding as part of the Government's Housing for All plan. Located at the junction of John Street and Stoney Lane, and close to Ardee town centre, the development was built by Currabeg Construction and consists of 11 three-bed houses and nine one-bed and two-bed apartments. The homes are all A2-rated and highly energy efficient, which will significantly reduce energy costs for residents. Jack Chambers TD, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform & Digitalisation, said: 'I am delighted to officially launch these 20 housing units in Ardee. Housing is the Government's top priority, and this project is a clear, demonstrable example and symbol of precisely what can be achieved when public and private work together in partnership to deliver state-of-the-art homes for people and families in our communities. I commend the Department of Housing, Louth County Council and all those involved in the delivery of this development.' Cllr Kevin Callan, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said: 'Louth County Council is leading the way nationally in terms of the quantity and quality of units that are being delivered across various schemes, including this fantastic turnkey development in the centre of Ardee. These apartments and houses will provide much-needed homes to the future residents. As Cathaoirleach, I have been very heartened by the dedication and hard work of our housing team in bringing projects like this to fruition, and I look forward to continuing significant housing delivery in the years ahead.' David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said: 'Under the Housing for All programme (2022–2026), Louth County Council is committed to delivering 1,323 social homes through a mix of direct-build projects, partnerships with Approved Housing Bodies, and Part V and turnkey acquisitions. We are also increasing the roll-out of Affordable Housing Schemes, and we are currently building a pipeline for future delivery. We are projecting delivery of more than 2,000 homes over the programme's duration, and at present, we have 440 homes under construction across eight sites. 'I wish to commend the developer, Seamus Rogers of Currabeg Construction, for delivering this high-quality housing scheme at a reasonable cost. These new A2-rated homes offer both comfort and energy efficiency, and we wish future residents every happiness in their new homes.' Funded by Local Democracy Scheme.
BreakingNews.ie
05-06-2025
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Government urged to act on miscarriage leave after Foley support
Children's Minister Norma Foley has been accused of 'kicking the can' over paid leave after miscarriages, as she expressed support for the measure but said it was a matter for the Department of Public Expenditure. Currently, women are entitled to full maternity leave if they have a stillbirth or miscarriage after 24 weeks. Advertisement However, the Labour party said that many women and men are familiar with the devastation that results from an early miscarriage, adding that women have had to take annual leave to 'recover from the heartache and the physical effects of this experience'. It has brought forward a Reproductive Health Related Leave Bill, which would provide for any woman who suffers an early miscarriage to have paid time off to recover. In March, the UK government agreed to ensure bereavement leave covers miscarriage, after a 'gap in support' was identified for those who experience pregnancy loss. Asked if she would support paid leave for women who suffer miscarriages, Ms Foley said: 'Absolutely.' Advertisement However, the minister said it was not within her gift to grant. 'I absolutely would but I respect that a minister has to go to the [Department of Public Expenditure and Reform] in relation to that and that argument has to be brought out. The Fianna Fáil minister added: 'We are seeking, from a gender point of view, to give maximum opportunity to all, including women. 'So that's in terms of employment, in terms of their health, that's in terms of supporting them in every opportunity. Advertisement 'So obviously I would be very supportive of that but it would be a matter for another minister to get that one over the line, but I would be very supportive of it.' Labour TD Marie Sherlock. Photo: Niall Carson/PA. Asked about Ms Foley's comments, Labour health spokeswoman Marie Sherlock said: 'The amount of can-kicking when it comes to providing what is ultimately compassionate leave for women in the workplace is unbelievable. 'Labour published a Bill to provide paid time off work to recover physically and emotionally from pregnancy loss. 'Rather than the Department of Children kicking it to the Department of Public Expenditure and so on, why can't Fine Gael and Fianna Fail just make good on their commitment to women to progress Labour's Bill?' Advertisement She said the previous Fine Gael and Fianna Fail Government commissioned a report in January last year which recommended the introduction of policies to provide time off work following pregnancy loss before 24 weeks. Ms Sherlock added: 'How much longer will they make women wait? 'Yes, offering paid miscarriage leave supports gender equity, but crucially, specifying miscarriage leave is an acknowledgment of this enormous loss that so many women experience. Ireland Convicted rapist who harassed three female journal... Read More 'It will reduce the silence around pregnancy loss and ensure that women have access to leave when it matters most. Advertisement 'Since the introduction of the Labour Party Bill, I have been inundated with women sharing their experience of loss. 'The majority of these cases are unexpected. It is a profoundly sad and devastating experience and it demands attention from this Government.'
