Budget 2027: Minister admits issues for young people, but rejects SF's 'failed State narrative'

It comes after Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald criticised the Government for not backing a Sinn Féin bill to remove carbon tax from home heating oil

Minister Jack Chambers said the Government would continue to support victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, while pointing to an increased budget of €80m.

The “central objective” of the Government is to respond to cost-of-living pressures in October’s budget, the public expenditure minister has said.

Jack Chambers rejected Sinn Féin’s criticism that young people are being left behind by the Government, after a National Youth Council report found 70% of the cohort are considering leaving the country.

Responding to Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald in the Dáil, Mr Chambers said there would be “further decisions” within the budget package on the cost of energy.

He said there would also be measures to tackle affordability in areas like childcare, as well as further funding for housing.

It comes after Ms McDonald criticised the Government for not backing a Sinn Féin bill to remove carbon tax from home heating oil, saying it had “failed” its first test.

“You and Simon Harris simply cannot come in here on October 6 and roll out yet another budget that fails to tackle the cost of living and leaves working people behind,” Ms McDonald said.

Mr Chambers said he rejected the party’s “constant failed State narrative”, citing the country’s full employment status.

He acknowledged there are issues for young people, particularly in the affordability of housing and rent, but said this is why the Government is considering an increase in the rent tax credit.

Domestic violence measure

Meanwhile, Mr Chambers told Labour leader Ivana Bacik the Government would consider her party’s proposals for a new €3m fund to assist victims of domestic violence.

Ms Bacik’s call would see the introduction of a fund to provide direct financial supports, with payments made urgently to victims to either help them leave their home or meet costs.

The Labour leader referred to Nikita Hand, whom a civil jury found was assaulted by MMA fighter Conor McGregor, and her new book, where she detailed the long-term impacts including PTSD and “hours-long” panic attacks following the assault.

“The multi-millionaire sports person who was found liable in a civil court is responsible for causing this loss to Nikita Hand, and his violation has continued long after the assault was over,” Ms Bacik said.

Nikita should be and is the national treasure, not him.

In response, Mr Chambers praised Ms Hand for her bravery and leadership she has shown, saying she has “done the State some service”.

Mr Chambers said the Government would continue to support victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, while pointing to an increased budget of €80m.

However, the Public Expenditure Minister accepted there are gaps across the country, saying the Government needs to make more progress on refuge places.

• Tadgh McNally, political reporter