In his keynote speech at the National Economic Dialogue on Monday, Taoiseach Simon Harris announced plans for further income tax cuts and a comprehensive cost-of-living package as part of Budget 2025. Harris emphasized the need for additional funding to support Ireland’s expanding population and protect the most vulnerable through proper indexing of income tax bands and credits.
Highlighting the struggles of small businesses facing rising costs and challenging trading conditions, Harris pledged to expand support packages for businesses, engaging closely with representative organizations ahead of the budget.
Addressing public service reforms, Harris acknowledged the challenges posed by a rapidly growing population, advocating for increased recruitment of civil servants and more capital infrastructure spending. However, he stressed the importance of reforming existing systems to ensure efficiency and preparedness for future economic challenges.
Harris also touched on new EU requirements for medium-term budgetary policy, viewing them as a means to focus on essential reforms and investments.
On housing, Harris declared that “no option is off the table,” calling for increased construction sector capacity, more workers, enhanced efficiency, and innovation through modern construction methods.
The announcements reflect a commitment to balancing immediate financial relief with long-term structural improvements.