Budget Could Be Brought Forward To September, Eamon Ryan Has Suggested

Thursday, 30 June 2022 11:39

By Caoimhe Harney

It comes amid growing pressure on Government to help tackle the cost-of-living crisis.

The Environment Minister has suggested Budget 2023 could be brought forward by up to a month.

It comes amid growing pressure from opposition parties to introduce measures this summer, to help tackle the cost-of-living crisis.

Eamon Ryan also indicated some immediate measures - such as once-off fuel or food payments - can be introduced in Autumn, while longer term financial plans will kick in in January, as normal.

The Green party leader was adamant that bringing in new measures before September would be a bad idea.

The Dáil voted 68-59 last night to postpone cost of living relief measures until the Budget in the autumn.

However, the move was strongly criticised this morning by a Socialist Party TD.

Mick Barry commented: "The landlord isn't going to wait for the rent to be paid and the supermarket isn't going to wait until the autumn to put up prices but the Government expect the people to wait 3 months for them to take any kind of action.

"People will be disgusted by what the Government did last night," he insisted.

"However, under fierce criticism for the delays, the Government are considering moving the autumn Budget forward a month to September.

"It is expected that cost of living campaigners will plan major cost of living protests across the country in the run up to Budget Day to demand far-reaching changes," he added.