I propose to take Questions Nos. 313 and 314 together.
The Summer Economic Statement (SES), published on 4th July 2022, sets out the key parameters for Budget 2023. This included a total expenditure budget package of €5.7 billion over 2022 and 2023, €0.4 billion of which is phased into 2022. This is an increase of €1.7 billion relative to what was originally provided for and will ensure that support is provided to households to help with the higher cost of living.
This will result in an increase to the 2022 and 2023 core expenditure growth rates to 6 per cent and 6½ per cent respectively. €80.5 billion in core expenditure will now be available for 2022 with €85.8 billion in 2023. These significant annual increases in expenditure balance the need to protect core public services and help to support citizens through mitigating the cost of living pressures while also ensuring that budgetary policy does not become part of the inflation problem.
Provision of the €0.4 billion under 2022 funding will allow for the early implementation of new core current expenditure measures. Decisions regarding the allocation of this funding will be made as part of the estimates process.