That yesterday’s budget was a cynical exercise in vote buying is beyond any doubt. The problem for the opposition is that if the usual laws of politics apply, then it is very likely to work.
“Independent Ireland TDs and MEPs will vote in accordance with the party’s policies, as they are the people who developed, negotiated, and adopted said policies”
Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Charlie McConalogue defends increasing the total fisheries budget by €7m to a new total of €177m in #Budget2025, arguing that “it’s a very significant investment”. Question by Ben Scallan. Question by Ben Scallan.
The incident occurred shortly before 11.00pm.
Gript’s Ben Scallan asks Public Expenditure Minister what “lessons” exactly have been learned from successive cost overruns on State projects. #Budget2025
Just 4 months ago, 33-year-old Jack Chambers (a medicine graduate) was appointed Finance Minister of Ireland. Ben Scallan asks what it was like to head right into #Budget2025 having just taken up the job. Chambers replied that the €13bn in Apple money was a “challenge”.
Budget 2025
Gript’s Ben Scallan asks how the State will avoid cost overruns on the Dublin Metro. Ministers Eamon Ryan & Ossian Smyth reply that projects like the National Broadband Plan are on-budget because they “balanced risk” between the State & the contractor as part of the agreement.
It was recently revealed that the OPW’s modular homes for Ukrainians had doubled in cost from €200k to €436k. Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien said that this doubling in cost “frustrates” him, adding that ‘lessons should be learned’. Question by Ben Scallan.
Speakers advocate for assisted suicide for those with dementia
Integration Minister Roderic O’Gorman announced “additional funding” to help “receive and accommodate” asylum seekers in #Budget2025. Asked how much the State has spent already on asylum accommodation since the start of the Ukraine war, he replied: “I can get that for you.”
Private sector