Reductions in income tax and childcare costs ‘priorities’, Tánaiste says

By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

A reduction of income tax and more affordable childcare have been identified by the Tánaiste as key Budget priorities.

Simon Harris has previously said a lack of an income tax package in last year’s budget had “irked” his party’s voters.

Meanwhile, the Government has committed to reducing childcare costs to 200 euro per child per month over its lifetime.

At the Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting on Wednesday, the Tánaiste spoke about preparations for Budget 2027 where he was said to have identified “reducing income tax and more affordable childcare” as priorities.

Harris told his party that childcare should be viewed as economic infrastructure and one of the smartest investments a Government can make to support families, increase workforce participation and strengthen economic growth.

He said the Budget would focus on helping working families get ahead, with childcare affordability sitting alongside measures to reward work and ease the cost of living.

Budget 2027 will be Mr Harris’s first as Minister for Finance.