Fifteen years on from first taking office as a TD, Simon Harris now approaches Budget 2027 as a first-time finance minister

It was also argued at the Cost of Disability Strategic Focus Network Summit in Dublin that there should be automatic eligibility for the payment if it is already recognised through existing schemes

Government forecasts continued economic growth despite global risks, but warns Budget 2027 will require spending restraint and difficult fiscal choices

Geopolitical disruption and global trade uncertainty were cited as the top three emerging challenges for Cork businesses over the next three to five years