Irish ministers set to unveil 8.65 billion euro budget today

The Irish Coalition government will unveil an 8.65 billion euro budget package at lunchtime today, RTE reported. Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris together with Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers will announce the plan in the Dáil chamber this afternoon following a Cabinet meeting to give final sign off. [1]

According to RTE, the budget package consists of 7 billion euros in new spending measures alongside 1.65 billion euros in tax changes. The package promises a personal tax package, steps to help with energy costs and measures for childcare. [1]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, proposed budget measures include cutting fulltime childcare costs in Ireland by at least 1,000 euros annually per child. The cost reductions focus on families using childcare for 45 hours a week and will be delivered through alterations to a 96.30 euro weekly subsidy and lowering the maximum 280 euro weekly fee. [5][6]

RTE reported that Mr Harris and Mr Chambers will deliver their budget speeches over 90 minutes in the Dáil chamber this afternoon. [1]