Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
462. Deputy William Aird asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his assessment of the scope for further cost-of-living measures in budget 2027; the way in which he proposes to balance targeted household supports with the need to maintain medium-term fiscal sustainability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39678/26]
View answer472. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he is planning to undertake any emergency measures to help people deal with increases in the cost-of-living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27661/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 462 and 472 together.
As the Deputies will be aware, Government has introduced two packages of supports, worth over €750 million, to help people with the increased cost of living.
This has been a swift, forceful and flexible response. An intervention of this scale has been made possible because of the strong position of our public finances: by running budget surpluses, we have ensured that we had the resources on hand to respond when the energy price shock materialised.
I have been clear that we will continue to monitor the situation closely and reserve the right to adjust our response as appropriate. I have also been clear that the best way to assist with the cost of living is through permanent, sustainable and targeted measures introduced through the annual budgetary process.
Preparation is already underway for Budget 2027. The National Economic Dialogue is scheduled to take place in June, followed by the Summer Economic Statement, when Government will set out the parameters for the Budget. Decisions on permanent fiscal policy will considered as part of the budgetary process and in the context of the balanced fiscal strategy set out in Ireland’s Medium-Term Fiscal and Structural Plan.
