Greens warn Government is “drifting without direction” in pre-Budget submission

• Party sets out nine clear asks to secure national finances and reduce cost of living
• Offers cheaper, more effective alternative to proposed blanket VAT cuts

The Green Party has warned that the current government is “drifting without direction” and called on ministers to use the budget to finally establish some clear aims.

The party put forward nine key ideas ahead of October’s budget, including calls for:

• a clear plan to save excess corporation tax for climate, nature and future challenges,
• free public transport for under 12s,
• a pilot of a public childcare model for 3,000 children.

The party outlined an alternative to the proposed blanket VAT cut for hospitality, which it said would cost a third of the government’s proposal while doing more for small businesses. The proposal involves a capped refund of VAT and rates, which would avoid a giveaway to large operators.

The Green proposals also build on the party's achievements in government, doubling funding for the Basic Income for the Arts, reducing public transport fares, expanding cost rental housing, and giving students certainty on fees.

Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman TD said:

“The government is drifting without direction. It seems to have no major aim or priority.

“This budget is shaping up to be another example of short-term thinking, silent on the needs of upcoming generations or how to deal with long-term challenges.

“The Greens brought mission and forward thinking to the last government, but today’s ministers seem to operate in reactive mode only. They have only bothered to pass a measly ten pieces of legislation since the election. We need to see some actual ambition on budget day.”

Party spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Reform, Cllr. Hazel Chu said:

“Ministers seem stuck in a holding pattern. Their only enthusiasm seems to be in trying to undo what the Greens achieved in the last government.

“The public wants to see politicians working every day to improve services and reduce the cost of living. The Greens have ideas to make public transport cheaper, open public childcare facilities and build more affordable housing. Where’s that drive in this government?”

Party spokesperson on Finance, Cllr. Michael Pidgeon said:

“We are living in a corporation tax gold rush. But without clear vision, the government could fritter it all away on scattergun projects and temporary measures. The Greens want a clear plan on how we will set aside short-term revenue for long-term aims.

“It seems increasingly likely that the government will back a wildly expensive VAT cut for hospitality. Our budget submission shows a practical alternative that would cost a third of the blanket cut and give smaller businesses a bigger boost. Strong revenues shouldn’t mean lazy policies.”

Notes to Editors:

The Green Party’s pre-budget submission, with costings, is available here.

The nine key ideas in the document are:

• Saving for the climate future
• Focus on infrastructure
• Cheaper and integrated public transport
• Investing in childhood
• Smart supports for hospitality
• Ramping up Housing
• Building on Basic Income Success
• Certainty for Students
• Analysing the budget’s generational impact