Donohoe signals caution as Ireland posts €4.5bn surplus ahead of budget talks

Ireland’s €4.5bn surplus for the first half of 2025 sparks cautious tone as budget preparations begin

Finance minister Paschal Donohoe is due to publish the summer economic statement this month and unveil the date of the budget for later this year. Picture: Conor Ó Mearáin/Collins 

The exchequer has recorded a surplus of €4.5bn for the first six months of the year, with wrangling over the budget due to kick off in the coming weeks as finance minister Paschal Donohoe prepares to publish the summer economic statement.

Mr Donohoe is due to publish the summer economic statement this month and unveil the date on which the budget will be presented to the Oireachtas later this year.