Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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I would like to thank Deputy O’Dowd for raising this matter and I acknowledge the Pre-Budget Submission provided by Chambers Ireland. The Chambers Ireland Pre-Budget Submission focused on the following issues, around which a range of measures have been proposed:

• Productivity and Competitiveness
• Housing and Planning
• Energy and Decarbonisation
• Workplace and Skills

As part of the preparatory process, my officials and I have had continuous engagement with a range of stakeholders, including Chambers Ireland. My officials met with Chambers Ireland in July to discuss their submission. The matters raised by them (and others) on a range of areas, including enterprise taxation, informed the approach that my Department is taking to Budget 2025.

This includes my Department’s Pre-Budget Submission to the Department of Finance. This was provided to the Department of Finance in July and my officials have maintained an ongoing engagement with officials from the Department of Finance. My focus remains on rewarding work, assisting Irish enterprises with the current uncertain business environment, and on stimulating innovation and entrepreneurship. These concerns are reflected in the proposals I have put forward.

I would also acknowledge that the overall Budgetary package will have to be considered in light of the fiscal parameters set out in the Summer Economic Statement, noting that Budget 2025 will deliver an overall package of €8.3 billion, of which taxation measures will amount to €1.4 billion. Ultimately, any changes to tax policy are a decision for the Minister for Finance