An Tánaiste Simon Harris visits Offaly
An Tánaiste and Leader of Fine Gael, Simon Harris, spent a busy day across Offaly and Laois on Friday, October 30, meeting families, farmers, business owners, volunteers and young footballers.
The day began at the Tullamore Court Hotel, where more than 150 people joined Offaly’s John Clendennen and Fine Gael's Offaly councillors for a Budget 2027 engagement.
Speaking in Tullamore Court Hotel, the Tánaiste said: "There are too many people in Ireland who are working hard, who are playing by the rules, and they still feel there can be very little left at the end of the month. We want people to be able to get ahead in life, not just get by. Work must always pay."
He said that someone earning around €50,000 will pay around €700 less in income tax next year, and a couple earning about €100,000 around €1,500 less, with take-home pay rising ahead of inflation.
On childcare, he said the average monthly bill for full-time care will fall to €550 next September, with a commitment to reach €200 a month per child. Childminders will be able to earn €20,000 a year tax free.
He also pointed to the freeze on fuel excise over the winter, the cut in carbon tax on home heating oil and gas, €15 million for rural pubs and new supports for farmers, including on succession.
In Laois he was joined by Laois TD Willie Aird.
A big crowd welcomed the Tánaiste to Mountmellick United FC, where the club's U12 and U14 boys' and girls' teams put on a great demonstration of all their skills.
At the Portlaoise Enterprise Centre, he met entrepreneurs and Michael Rainey, Chief Executive of Laois County Council.
After he sat down a with Laois Chamber Alliance for a round table discussion, the Tánaiste then toured First Ireland Spirits in Abbeyleix, which exports Irish cream liqueur to more than 40 countries.
The Tánaiste said: "There's nothing like getting out and meeting people. From Tullamore to Abbeyleix, I met people who are building businesses, creating jobs and giving their time to their communities. I'm taking what I heard back to Government."
Deputy John Clendennen TD said: "Offaly turned out in big numbers to meet with the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance. I want to thank everyone who joined us."
Deputy Willie Aird TD said: "Today showed Laois at its best: a thriving club, ambitious entrepreneurs, a strong business community and a growing local employer. I'll keep making the case for Laois every day in Dáil Éireann.”