According to the Irish edition of the Sunday Times, Taoiseach Simon Harris is planning to discuss the upcoming election date with the leaders of the Coalition party once the budget is revealed on the first day of October. During an interview conducted by the paper, Harris remained tight-lipped regarding the possibility of a general election occurring within the year as he presented the manifesto intentions of Fine Gael which focused on significant income and inheritance tax modifications, an additional tier of child benefit, and provision of childcare by the state. Harris made a personal statement, declaring not only his power to announce an election, but also his desire for the current Government to serve a complete term. He dismissed the idea of initiating a surprise election.
In other news, the Sunday Business Post reports that Paddy McKillen Jr. is planning his move to the United States following a loss of control over his Press Up empire. However, he is committed to maintaining his business endeavours in Ireland. McKillen Jr., a key player in Dublin’s nightlife activities, plans to split his time between Dublin and Los Angeles to be near his extended family residing mostly in LA, while upholding his significant Irish business. His move coincides with the nearing completion of a debt for equity agreement with Cheyne Capital unveiled by the Business Post in June. His brothers, Dean and Tyrone McKillen, are already LA residents and Paddy Jr. has visited quite frequently over the years.
Finally, as per a Sunday Independent report, employees preferring to continue working from home might confront a reduction in salary and benefits compared to their office-going colleagues. Employers seem to be progressively leaning towards the restoration of pre-pandemic workplace norms.
Office-based employees could potentially earn higher pay and receive better perks as indicated by a recent employer survey, suggesting a difference in terms compared to those who operate from home exclusively.
This year, the Republic of Ireland may experience a record-breaking budget surplus that could exceed €20 billion. This projection is based on the Apple tax windfall set to be declared this year, as reported by the Sunday Business Post.
This turn of events is likely to put the government under intense pressure to increase expenditure in the forthcoming budget. This is despite the Central Bank and the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council’s persistent calls for budget moderation.
In light of the astonishing judgement by the top European court a fortnight ago, instructing the Government to accept €14 billion in unpaid taxes, the Department of Finance noted that the fund transfer process could necessitate a minimum of six months.
However, in a recent Business Post interview, Jack Chambers, the Finance Minister, affirmed that the windfall could potentially be included in the government balance for the current year.