Taoiseach says no “cast‑iron guarantee” everyone will be better off after Budget 2027

Taoiseach Micheál Martin told reporters in New York that he cannot give a “cast‑iron guarantee” that everyone will be better off after the Budget, which will be presented on 6 October.

Martin said the Budget will not “do everything for everybody” and that resources must be targeted. He added that for the “vast majority” people should at least keep pace with inflation, noting that last year pension and public‑service pay deals were ahead of inflation.

The Taoiseach highlighted that measures in childcare and disability are expected to benefit certain groups “far in excess of that”, but stressed that the level of benefit will depend on individual circumstances. He also said the Government is reviewing pensions and supports for those living alone.

When asked about Fine Gael leader Simon Harris allegedly rejecting Fianna Fáil ideas, Martin denied that his party had sought an increase in the Help‑to‑Buy tax relief for first‑time buyers. He said Fianna Fáil had not raised the issue at leadership meetings.

Energy Minister Darragh O’Brien, also in the United States, said the State must protect those at risk of fuel poverty but warned that any pause to the carbon tax would affect the retrofitting budget, as carbon‑tax revenue funds retrofit schemes.

The Budget 2027 is now just over two weeks away.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Artem Kulinych / Pexels.