Taoiseach Simon Harris has announced that the upcoming Budget 2025 will include a new cost-of-living package, while acknowledging that people are grappling with financial strain despite falling inflation.
Speaking at Government Buildings, Irish PM Harris said: “In relation to the Budget, yes, there will be a cost-of-living package this calendar year. I think it’s very important that there is one. People are still financially hurting.”
“While we can point to many indicators that show that inflation is very significantly reducing, it’s entirely true, it does not take away from the fact that has not been felt yet at homes, businesses, farms, right across Ireland,” he added.
The government has earmarked a bumper €8.3 billion package for the forthcoming Budget 2025, before the country goes to the general elections later this year or in 2025.
Releasing the Summer Economic Statement, which outlines the parameters for the October 1 Budget, Finance Minister Jack Chambers had said the package comprises additional public spending amounting to €6.9 billion and taxation measures amounting to €1.4 billion.
The government’s initiative to provide cost-of-living package in the form of lump sump payments in the last two budgets proved to be popular among householders.