The budget is still months away but the government are already looking at measures – the Taoiseach issued an update about a possible cost of living package for Budget 2027
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Taoiseach Micheal Martin has issued an update on a possible cost of living package in the upcoming budget.
Budget 2027 is set to be announced in the autumn and the government are already deliberating on what measures they hope to roll out.
Last year’s budget moved away from one-off cost of living measures such as double social welfare payments, lump sums and energy credits. However, the Taoiseach admitted that the effect of the ongoing cost of living crisis would have to be reflected in next year’s budget.
Speaking at the Galway West count centre, Mr Martin said: “Electorally, the cost of living has clearly impacted hugely on people.”
Asked if there would be a cost of living package in the budget, he said: “I think we’re going to reflect the realities of how people are feeling as best we can in the budget.”
It comes as the Taoiseach has refused to commit to an additional payment to support disabled people, despite saying it is a “key target” for the Government.
Micheal Martin was speaking to reporters on Wednesday ahead of the Cost of Disability Strategic Focus Network Summit, hosted by Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary.
Before he delivered the opening address at the event, Mr Martin said the Government hoped to “crystallise all the various issues” in relation to a Cost of Disability payment so Mr Calleary could “come to us later in the year” with proposals.
Speaking on RTE radio before the summit, Mr Calleary said the estimated cost of having a disability was between 15,200 and 15,500 euro a year.
Asked about this figure, and if the proposed payment would meet that cost, Mr Martin said: “We’re not committing to any specific amount.
“I think what’s key is that we would establish the principle, and indeed a mechanism, to try and bring this to the point of action.
“We certainly would like to be in a position to begin in concrete terms in the next budget.”
Pressed if there would “definitely” be a Cost of Disability payment in the next budget, Mr Martin replied: “I’m not going to say definitely yet… there is an estimates process.”
He added that it is “a key target in terms of our budget negotiations” but there needs to be a “negotiation process” with other ministers, the committee for public expenditure and others.
There would be other items in the budget for people with disabilities, the Taoiseach said, and added that a cabinet subcommittee for disability is looking at “the mobility issue”.
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