Tackling child poverty 'a priority' in October's budget, Simon Harris says

Taoiseach says he will also look at supports for small businesses struggling with the cost-of-living crisis

Taoiseach Simon Harris: 'I'm very proud that we've taken a number of steps to try and help with things around the cost of education around things like free schoolbooks, the extension of the hot school meals, reduction in college fees, extended parental leave, but I want to do more in that space.' Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

The Taoiseach has said he will look to "do more" around supports for children in this October's budget.

Simon Harris also mentioned potential changes to college fees and parents' leave as things that could be looked at.

He asked Fine Gael TDs and senators this week to outline their priorities for the budget and when asked on Thursday what he would be putting front and centre, he said supports for children would be prioritised.

"I'm very proud that we've taken a number of steps to try and help with things around the cost of education around things like free schoolbooks, the extension of the hot school meals, reduction in college fees, extended parental leave, but I want to do more in that space.

There are still too many children in our country who live in poverty. And I do want that to be a priority for the budget.

Mr Harris added there was likely to be a range of business supports in the budget this coming October because, as he put it, "the cost-of-living crisis hasn't gone away".

"I have met many small businesses and I know that their cost base is really high and it's putting them under pressure. People are working extremely hard and they're the backbone of towns and villages and communities, they need assistance. 

So too does the farming community, I think we need to listen to them on issues around succession. So there will be a range of areas where we will seek to make priority and to make progress.

The cost of living is still a very real and pressing issue around the kitchen table, on the farm and on the shop floor as well.

Meanwhile, the Taoiseach said he could not comment after three men were arrested in connection with demonstrations at his home.

Mr Harris's house was targeted twice in recent weeks, most recently last weekend.

Gardaí confirmed on Thursday two men aged in their 40s and one in his 30s were arrested under the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act by officers in the Wexford/Wicklow district.

"Gardaí in the Wexford/Wicklow Division supported by the Special Detective Unit have arrested three males, for alleged offences contrary to Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act, this morning, as part of ongoing investigations into the alleged harassment of an elected official".

The men are currently being detained at Garda stations in Co Wicklow under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

Mr Harris said he did not necessarily believe the targeting of him and other senior politicians necessitated new laws to protect members of cabinet.

"There is a distinction between protest and some of the carry-on that we see outside certain people's homes. I'm speaking broadly in relation to that. Protest is a fundamental part of democracy. Protesting does not equate to thuggery. I know the difference. I'm glad the guards know the difference.

"The people of Ireland certainly know the difference as well. I'm very grateful to An Garda Síochána for the incredible work they do. My understanding is that they don't believe there's a need for any additional laws. And I take them at their word in relation to that."