Finance Minister to discuss Summer Economic Statement with Budgetary Oversight Committee

Minister Donohoe is expected to begin his presentation at 5:30 p.m. in Committee Room 2.

The Summer Economic Statement, unveiled June 19, outlines Ireland’s financial position in advance of Budget 2019 and sets longer-term economic targets. It anticipates 2019 spending of €3.4 billion, including some €800 million in funds yet to be allocated, to record a budget deficit of just 0.1 percent of GDP. It also proposes creation of a Rainy Day Fund built, in part, on proceeds from higher-than-expected collections of corporation tax.

“With Ireland’s economy and jobs market once again experiencing strong growth, we must avoid repeating the policy mistakes of the Celtic Tiger years,” said Committee Chairman Colm Brophy. “Members will be keen to sound out Minister Donohoe’s commitment to fiscal prudence and public debt reduction, as well as to discuss expenditure options and the potential room for changes in taxation.”

The Committee expects to publish its Interim Pre-Budget Report later this month.

The meeting can be viewed live here.

It also can be viewed live on Android and Apple devices using the Houses of the Oireachtas app.