'We have an awful lot more to do': Tánaiste Micheál Martin says cost-of-living key priority in budget

Speaking on Morning Ireland earlier today, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said that the cost of living is still high on the agenda for the upcoming budget. 

The Tánaiste acknowledged that although inflation has decreased, people continue to feel pressure as prices remain high. 

He said that the cost of living, housing and health will be key priorities for Budget 2025. 

Speaking on Minister for Finance Jack Chambers' statement that the budget will include energy credits, the Tánaiste said: "I think the credits will be paid this year."

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When questioned on whether a second-tier child benefit might be introduced in the budget, he discussed the existing measures taken to offer relief to parents such as extending the free schoolbook scheme.

When it was put to him that Ireland looks like a poor country in many aspects of society, the Tánaiste disagreed with the statement but admitted that "we have an awful lot more to do in certain areas."

On that point, he added: "But I do not accept the narrative of a failed state, which is the narrative of Sinn Féin, People Before Profit, because I think their model, they would disrupt the economic model that has been overall beneficial to this country, in my view."

Likewise to Finance Minister Jack Chambers' comments, the Tánaiste said that the details of the upcoming budget are still being worked on.