Simon Harris: Budget must protect Ireland and make work pay

Simon Harris says Budget Day is four weeks away and the government must protect Ireland's economy while helping families keep more of their money. He sets out priorities: a personal income tax package, progress on childcare and disability, and continued investment in infrastructure and homes.

Budget priorities

Simon Harris frames the coming budget as a defensive and supportive plan: protect Ireland in a time of global uncertainty while using available resources to help families and communities. He emphasises the need to balance economic stability with targeted support for households.

Tax and work incentives

Harris calls for a personal income tax package that ensures work always pays and allows people to keep more of their own income. He argues the tax system can and should be used to reward employment and ease pressure on family finances.

Social supports and investment

He highlights childcare and disability as priority spending areas, alongside continued investment in infrastructure, including homes. These measures are presented as necessary to support families and sustain long-term economic resilience.

Next steps

With Budget Day four weeks away, Harris describes a busy period of meetings with ministers, officials and stakeholders as the administration prepares detailed proposals. The focus remains on protecting the economy while delivering practical tax and social measures for households.