Jack Chambers views are in line with Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe who are opposed to direct exchequer funding. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill / The Irish Timeshas set out his stall in advance of Budget negotiations with fellow ministers warning that they will need to prioritise their asks and that he is “well able to say no in the national interest.
The upcoming Budget, the last of the current Coalition, is seen as crucial ahead of a looming general election with an expectation among many observers that it will be another giveaway package before the country goes to the polls. He indicated he would put money aside for the Future Ireland Funds and the Climate, Infrastructure and Nature Fund set up by his predecessor Michael McGrath.
He said there are “demographic risks” in Ireland and an expectation that corporation tax windfall gains won’t be sustained in the long-term.“And ministers will have to prioritise their spending asks and also making sure we have reform at the core of public services as well as strengthening them. He said the upcoming Summer Economic Statement which sets the tax and expenditure parameters of the Budget and he said there will be a “very focused tax package and Government will have to consider the wider asks.”