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The Taoiseach has said the Government lacks the fiscal space for one-off cost-of-living payments and has confirmed plans to discuss Northern Ireland and Border poll criteria with the new British prime minister.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has indicated that the Irish Government does not have the financial capacity to introduce universal energy credits or broad one-off cost-of-living payments in the upcoming budget.
Speaking in Tullamore, Co Offaly, where Fianna Fáil is holding its annual think-in ahead of the Dáil's return, Martin stressed that any large one-off allocations would reduce the Government's ability to invest in priority areas like childcare and disability services. He argued that targeted measures were more sustainable than blanket payments aimed at easing the cost of living.
Martin said the Government intended to use the budget to ease ongoing financial pressures on households, suggesting this would be reflected in both the tax and expenditure sides of the package. He pointed to existing reductions in asylum accommodation costs as evidence that a firmer, more focused approach was already producing results.
Martin also addressed the sensitive topic of Ukrainian refugees, making clear that the temporary protection status granted to those fleeing the war was never intended to serve as a route to Irish citizenship. He suggested that many of those who had arrived would eventually need to return to Ukraine once the conflict ended, to assist in the reconstruction of their country.
On questions about his leadership, Martin expressed confidence, stating that the entire parliamentary party stood united behind him and remained focused on the issues that mattered most to the public. His remarks came as Fianna Fáil TDs, Senators and MEPs gathered at the Tullamore Court Hotel for two days of strategic discussions before the resumption of parliamentary business.
Turning to Northern Ireland, Martin confirmed that he expects to meet British Prime Minister Andy Burnham later this month for discussions covering a wide range of issues, including the criteria that might govern any future Border poll. While the Belfast Agreement deliberately left the question of when a unity referendum should be called deliberately vague, Martin insisted that it was an issue which would eventually need to be addressed.
He acknowledged that he personally favoured Irish unity, but cautioned against equating the demand for a border poll with republicanism, describing republicanism as a far broader political concept. He warned against being drawn in by soundbites and short-term political campaigns. The meeting was also briefed on the Shared Island initiative, the Government's flagship cross-border policy, which channels funding into infrastructure, services and research projects across the island.
Martin declined to be drawn on Fine Gael's forthcoming blueprint for a united Ireland, reiterating only that the current programme for government would continue to guide policy
Micheál Martin Fianna Fáil Budget Cost Of Living Northern Ireland
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