No emergency summer budget insists Taoiseach
Martin rules out new cost of living measures despite hope from Leo
MICHEAL Martin has doubled down on his insistence that there will be no emergency budget or further cost of living measures brought in before the Budget in October.
The Taoiseach categorically ruled out any more relief for hard-pressed workers and households this summer when pressed by the Irish Mirror on the issue, despite Leo Varadkar repeatedly saying more assistance can’t be ruled out.
And he indicated that further pain in the pocket is on the way when he said: “The winter will be difficult, particularly in terms of energy.”
Mr Martin was speaking after the Tanaiste took an opposing view twice in the last week, saying that he could not 100% rule out more support. But the
Taoiseach dismissed the prospect of new measures in advance of the Budget on his way into the EU Summit of leaders in Brussels yesterday morning.
He said: “We had a very good discussion last Monday evening and indeed prior to that with the Minister for Finance.
“The optimal moment for us, not just to deal with the cost of living but also doing it in a way that is in line with the ESRI report – to do it also in combination with other factors, around pay, tax – is the Budget. And to do it in a comprehensive way that sustains right through the winter because the winter will be difficult, particularly on the energy front.
“We’ve got to think about this, do a lot of work on this to make sure the measures we take don’t add fuel to the fire, but rather takes pressure off those most in need.”
And Mr Martin said the aims was to “create space so that we can dovetail those measures with more longstanding measures around climate for example, around a whole range of other issues”.
The Taoiseach said his government would be looking at a “sustainable pathway” that would positively impact areas like childcare, education, health and public transport.
He added: “Those are the type of areas where we have to dig deeper, take advice, take the evidence base in the context of the Budget.”
When pressed by the Irish Mirror specifically if this means there will definitely be no moves before the Budget, the Taoiseach was adamant.
He replied: “We don’t see that
happening, no.”