Burton backs introduction of April mini-budget

The introduction of a spring mini-budget has been backed by Tánaiste Joan Burton.

The Labour leader said an April statement of economic intent would help boost the recovery.

The idea of a spring mini-budget, modelled on Britain’s autumn statement, has been floated by ministers in recent weeks. Such a statement would likely lay out broad spending plans and economic targets for the lead-up to the October budget rather than include changes to tax rates and other financial reforms.

“I do think there is a value in regularly having an economic discussion of the overall trend in the economy regularly,” Ms Burton said.

“Yes I think it would be good to have a public discussion, including on the floor of the Dáil, about where the economy is going.

“I know it’s been discussed in government circles, particularly among people working with government... I do think there is merit in the suggestion.”

Ms Burton also accused the opposition parties of ducking debate on the economy. “I’ve been a bit bemused, I have to say, in the last year-and-a-half there has been no general economic resolution or private member’s motion put down by the opposition at any point. Simply because they have been unwilling — it’s a bit like the Northern talks — they’ve been unwilling to come to the table and talk about the alternatives,” she said.

“They’re willing — and that’s their job — to criticise what they see being offered and implemented by the Government and I don’t have a problem with that, that’s their job. But they have been utterly coy in saying what they would do.”

Thus, Ms Burton said, having a spring statement, autumn budget statement, as well as debates during the year, would focus on where the economy is at a given time, employment, and where money should be invested.

A spring statement is likely, Ms Burton said, as it would fall under the EU’s semester process and coincides with when Ireland sends the stability programme update to the EU.