The Cabinet approved the Summer Economic Statement on Tuesday, providing an overview of the upcoming budgetary package.

The budget includes a spending package of €6.9 billion and a tax package worth €1.4 billion, set to be announced on October 1st.

A projected surplus budget of €6 billion is also anticipated for next year.

The publication of the statement aims to enhance transparency, allowing more scrutiny of the Government’s financial decisions.

With speculation of an election later this year and recent strong performances by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil in contrast to Sinn Féin’s weaker results in European and local elections, there are suggestions of a possible budget “giveaway” this autumn.

Taoiseach Simon Harris, addressing the prospect of a “giveaway” budget before a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, described it as an “expansionary” package.

Harris highlighted the extensive discussions between Coalition party leaders and the Ministers for Finance and Public Expenditure regarding Budget 2025.

He emphasized the Government’s commitment to balancing the country’s finances, and supporting working families and vulnerable individuals, while avoiding past economic pitfalls.

Harris questioned the meaning of “giveaway budget,” stating, “Every budget, when your economy is doing well, it does try to give people back some of their own money... and support those who need it most: children at risk, people with disabilities, carers, and older people.”

He expressed eagerness to debate budgetary strategies with the opposition, emphasizing the dual goals of expansion and future safeguarding, including investments in infrastructure and climate action.

Reflecting on the previous year’s budget, valued at €6.4 billion with €5.3 billion in spending and a €1.1 billion tax package, Harris reiterated the need to avoid a spendthrift mentality while recognizing the importance of aiding working families and vulnerable groups.

Various charities, opposition parties, and other groups have begun outlining their requests for the contents of Budget 2025.