Cabinet to Discuss Stricter Spending Curbs, Waterford Fire Aid, and Finance Bill 2026

The Cabinet will discuss implementing stricter spending controls on Government departments ahead of October's Budget, with new sanctions for overspending. Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers will seek approval for these controls, following a €600m overrun in the Department of Education and a €250m over-budget situation in the HSE after Q1.

Offending departments will lose autonomy over spending decisions, including hiring up to principal officer level, without prior approval from the Department of Public Expenditure. They will also face closer supervision through budgetary oversight groups. These enhanced cost controls are part of a new expenditure escalation process. Departments have already been told they may need to reduce expected spending by 0.1% to 1.4% due to increased demands on the Department of Education. Minister Chambers stated there is collective agreement on these plans.

Separately, Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke will present a memo on assistance for 30-40 businesses severely damaged in a Waterford city fire, affecting around 200 employees. Minister Burke and Minister of State John Cummins will meet with impacted business owners. Tánaiste Simon Harris will seek approval for the Finance Bill 2026, legislating for energy support taxation measures from March and April. Minister for Children Norma Foley will seek technical amendments for the new Guardian ad litem National Service, commencing June 23. Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless will seek approval for Phase One of the €750m Inspire programme for research infrastructure. Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee will outline her department's strategy, and Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary will update on the Our Rural Future 2026-2031 policy.