Tánaiste Simon Harris Rules Out «Mini Budget», Prioritizes Sectoral Intervention

Tánaiste Simon Harris has ruled out a «mini budget» to address the cost-of-living crisis, stating it «makes sense» to prioritize certain sectors for intervention. During Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil, Labour’s Ged Nash criticized the government for not acting sooner for working families, contrasting it with the €750 million found for sectoral interests last month.

Harris confirmed he would not introduce a mini budget, explaining that frequent budgets would deplete options for the annual budget. He defended the €750 million package, calling it one of the largest in the EU, and argued that prioritizing sectors during a fuel crisis helps maintain supply chains and crucial parts of the Irish economy. He also noted that the package is estimated to lower inflation by about 0.6% in May, June, and July, benefiting everyone by reducing supermarket bills.

Harris denied «kite flying» regarding future tax cuts, confirming there would be a personal income tax package in the budget. He also addressed recent fuel protests, stating they are «not who we are as a people» and emphasizing the need for engagement through democratic bodies. Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty urged Harris to reintroduce energy credits, arguing that a fraction of the current surpluses could significantly help ordinary people and that the government is making a political choice not to act immediately. Harris countered that the surplus is being allocated to infrastructure, climate adaptation, and a Future Ireland Fund, providing a fiscal buffer.