Budget 2019: IFAC, CIF, Chambers Ireland to give views to Budgetary Oversight Committee

Representatives from the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) and Chambers Ireland will make presentations and field questions on Tuesday. The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC), the statutory body that provides independent analysis of Government spending and budgetary plans, will appear Wednesday.

Tuesday’s meeting begins at 4 p.m. in Committee Room 3 and can be viewed live here.

Wednesday’s meeting begins at 2 p.m. in Committee Room 4 and can be viewed live here.

Both meetings also can be viewed live on handheld devices using the Houses of the Oireachtas app.

Scheduled witnesses include:

• Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot, 
• CIF Director General Tom Parlon, 
• IFAC Chairman Seamus Coffey, and 
• IFAC Chief Economist Eddie Casey.

“With just weeks to go, all economic eyes are focused on how Budget 2019 will balance the optimism of Ireland’s prevailing strong growth against the backdrop of rising uncertainties abroad,” said Committee Chairman Colm Brophy.

Deputy Brophy said the Committee soon will publish its Pre-Budget Report with recommendations to the Government on Budget 2019.

“Ireland cannot take a continuation of its current robust growth rate for granted, given that Brexit looms on the horizon and EU-US trade tensions already overshadow import and export markets,” he said. “We look forward to hearing the perspectives of Chambers Ireland and the Construction Industry Federation on the forces driving the prevailing buoyant economic conditions and on IFAC’s recommendations for building stronger national defences against the potential external shocks ahead.”