‘No giveaway’: Irish government says Budget 2025 will be worth 8.3bn euro

The transcript discusses the expansion of the state and public services, emphasizing the need for a better state with improved outputs. It highlights investments in various sectors, including healthcare and childcare, while acknowledging external risks like geopolitical tensions. The agreement with the Department of Health and HSE for additional funding is detailed, along with the tax package and budget priorities focusing on low and middle-income earners. The 5% spending rule's role in maintaining fiscal discipline is also covered.

What is the primary focus of the €5 billion allocation mentioned in the first section?

• Sustaining and strengthening public services

• Building new infrastructure

• Reducing national debt

• Increasing military spending

Which external factors are highlighted as risks to the Irish economy?

• Climate change

• Geopolitical tensions and global trade fragmentation

• Technological advancements

• Domestic political instability

What is the purpose of the additional funding for the health sector?

• To build new hospitals

• To reduce patient waiting times

• To increase salaries of healthcare workers

• To strengthen financial planning and governance

What is the government's priority in designing the income tax package?

• Increasing taxes on luxury goods

• Reducing corporate taxes

• Ensuring it is progressive and supports low to middle-income earners

• Supporting high-income earners

How does the government plan to address wage inflation in the tax package?

• By reducing taxes on luxury items

• By introducing new tax brackets

• By ensuring taxes are not excessively levied

• By increasing taxes on all income brackets

What role did the 5% spending rule play in managing public finances?

• It increased public spending significantly

• It helped maintain budget surpluses

• It led to a decrease in public services

• It was abolished after the pandemic

What is the main driver behind the current financial figures according to the final section?

• Increased foreign investment

• Maintaining existing services

• New policy decisions

• Reduction in healthcare costs