Harris ‘not convinced’ of Budget package adjustment

Tanaiste Simon Harris has said he is “not convinced” the size of the Budget package needs to be changed.

Meanwhile, Mr Harris said he was not ruling out tax breaks for developers, but added that such a decision would “have to be it” when it came to final measures aimed at the industry.

The Summer Economic Statement in July outlined an overall package of 9.4 billion euro, consistent with expenditure growth of 7.3%.

The package is composed of additional public spending of 7.9 billion euro and taxation measures of 1.5 billion euro.

It had been floated that the figures may be adjusted in response to the changing EU-US tariff landscape.

On Monday, Mr Harris acknowledged that there was more certainty around tariffs but said: “I’m not convinced we need to adjust the numbers up or down.”

Speaking to reporters in Mullingar for the annual Fine Gael think-in, he added: “I’ll obviously be guided by the best advice and analysis from our two finance ministers.”

On the delivery of homes, Mr Harris said “builders need predictability in policy, timelines and planning” to make investment decisions.

Asked if tax breaks for developers is under serious consideration, the Tanaiste said the Government “has to look at every possible lever that can be pulled”, including the cost base for building homes.

He said Government had made a number of “big, bold moves” to address viability of housing, including rent pressure zones and changes to apartment planning regulations.

“If we make another decision in the weeks ahead, then that has to be it – then that has to be it.

“And those who are in the business of building homes and apartments, need to get on with it at the on with it at that stage.

“They need to know that that is it. So these things will be teased through in the Budget but I don’t rule anything out.”

Mr Harris also addressed the economic outlook during his leader’s address to the think-in.

He said that economic growth and stability as well as full employment can “never be taken for granted”.

Mr Harris said the Budget on October 7 should build resilience in the economy and “work to protect every job”.

He said it should also build homes and deliver key infrastructure across Ireland.

Mr Harris added the Budget should deliver “permanent, sustainable relief for working families in terms of their costs” and support the most vulnerable.

He said: “We are moving away from an era of one-off cost of living measures.

“But that is not the same thing as saying we do not intend to help families with the bills that they experience in their own lives.”

However, he warned that Programme for Government commitments will “take a number of budgets to deliver”.