Taoiseach Simon Harris, in the clearest signal to date, has hinted at plans for a generous budget, encompassing a further increase in infrastructure expenditure and a new set of payments intended for private households.
The Taoiseach has declared an intent to expedite crucial energy and water projects, using the revenue generated from the sale of the state-owned stake in AIB. Drawing closer to the general election, he also indicated a major overhaul in the provision of early childhood education, proposing the state to assume increased responsibilities.
Harris confirmed that the cost of living supplements in the budget will be disbursed before the year-end festive period. These one-time payments will proceed for a third consecutive year. Along with this, the Taoiseach also hinted at additional funding provisions for infrastructure projects in the budget. This top-up will be allocated from the approximately €2 billion proceeds following the state’s AIB shareholding sale. Harris marked water, energy and housing as priority sectors for infrastructure investment.
Anticipation mounts as an election draws near and the public coffers show significant surplus. Ministers anticipate a bountiful budget, expected to be presented on October 1st. However, the government is keen to emphasise that any augmentation in expenditure will be affordable. It plans to conserve a sizeable chunk of the surplus for future requirements.
As to his roles, Harris believes he has a dual mandate – initially to enact the government programme and guide the Coalition for the rest of its term. But subsequently, he is determined to spearhead Fine Gael into the forthcoming election and seek approval to govern for another five years.
In this context, he hinted that he is contemplating recommending an extension of the state’s education system to encompass early childhood education.
In the topic of asylum seekers setting up massive tent cities, Mr Harris stated his firm intention that he will not grant permission for such encampments while he has a say. He expressed his disapproval towards the official quarters of Ireland for not paying enough attention to the situation on Mount Street and the Grand Canal. Earlier in the year, at his strong urging, hundreds of tents were removed from these locations to alternative places.
“Indeed, tents do spring up every now and then,” said Mr Harris. “I do not take that lightly, but rather handle it with the weight it deserves. I professed my honesty on this matter, with evidence being when we cleared Mount Street’s camp. However, the scenario changes drastically when people being provided with improved, more fitting housing within a few days, versus people dwelling in these tents for months on end, endangered with serious public health threats along with a host of other issues.”
Mr Harris didn’t mince his words when criticising the European Union on its stance concerning Gaza. He stated that the EU hadn’t made sufficient effort on the issue. He relayed his intention for Ireland to continue applying pressure at EU level to reassess EU-Israel trade agreements. However, he maintained, “the unequivocal legal counsel given to me and earlier officeholders by several attorneys general is that trade-related issues fall under European expertise”.
When questioned if Ireland could single-handedly take action against Israel, his response was, “I’m not privy to any direct alternatives accessible to us.”
On a positive note, Mr Harris celebrated the recent enhancement in diplomatic ties with London. However, when it comes to the Northern Ireland issue, he clarified that he has no plans for a border poll or a united Ireland. He avowed that his own, and Fine Gael’s goal is a united Ireland, but he prioritised the utilisation of the Belfast Agreement to advance North-South collaboration.
“Our primary task at the moment isn’t simply preparations, but actualising the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement,” he affirmed.
Mr Harris reassured that the Government will serve its entire term, highlighting that this was the call of Fianna Fáil and the Green Party leaders at his appointment as Taoiseach in April.
(Note: This article was updated on 24th August, 2024. For a more insightful political discussion, listen to our Inside Politics podcast.)