The Republic of Ireland’s finance minister is anticipated to publicize personal tax cuts and cost-of-living supports in a giveaway pre-election budget today.
There is growing speculation that the election will be held before Christmas.
Official figures published last week suggest Ireland will run a €25bn (£21.8bn) budget surplus this year, partially due to a huge tax windfall from Apple.
The minister, Jack Chambers, says the windfall will not impact Todays budget with the money being set aside for investment plans.
Chambers laid out the broad shape of the budget in July, pledging €1.4bn in tax measures and new expenditure of €6.9bn.
In September, Ireland’s coalition government was told it needs to collect €14bn (£11.8bn) in back taxes from Apple.
The EU’s highest court ruled that the technology firm had benefited from an illegal sweetheart tax deal in the country.
Speaking on Friday, Chambers said the coalition was working on a “wider strategic direction” for the Apple money and that the parameters will be set out in the budget.
The centre-right led government has already faced criticism from the country’s independent budget watchdog, which has warned that increased spending risks overheating the economy.
