Budget to take place on 6 October, Cabinet to hear

The Irish government is set to discuss the upcoming budget, a ban on scrambler bikes, and a new task force for Cork, among other items, at a Cabinet meeting today. Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers will brief ministers on the need for fiscal discipline amid global economic uncertainty.

Budget Discussions Underway

Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers will inform Cabinet this morning of the need for fiscal discipline, citing current geopolitical uncertainty caused by the conflict in the Middle East. The updated Spring macro-economic forecasts are slated to be published on April 14th. Despite global volatility, the Government is currently running budget surpluses and maintains a credit rating of ‘AA’ or above from major ratings agencies.

Minister Chambers will emphasize the importance of financial prudence to deliver on commitments in areas such as health, housing, and disability services. He also aims to have the critical infrastructure bill enacted before the summer, which seeks to accelerate the construction of homes, water services, and energy supply structures.

Scrambler Bike Ban to Take Effect Friday

New regulations banning scramblers in all public places will be presented to Government by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien and will take effect on Friday. The use of scramblers will be explicitly defined as an offence, allowing gardaí to seize the vehicles without establishing proof of dangerous use.

These regulations finalize provisions under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, and will be known as ‘Grace’s Law’ in memory of Grace Lynch, who was fatally injured by a scrambler bike in Finglas last January.

New Task Force for Cork’s Future Growth

Taoiseach Micheál Martin will seek approval for a new dedicated task force focused on the future growth of Cork. The task force will review the City Centre Development and Operations Action Plan 2025-2030 and identify any barriers to progress. It will also examine opportunities for foreign direct investment, domestic business growth, and strengthening Cork’s arts and culture scene.

Brendan Tuohy will chair the independent group, which is expected to report back to Government by summer.

Other Government Business

Government leaders will also consider proposals to exempt back garden cabins and small modular homes from planning rules, though differing views exist regarding the strictness of the regulations. Current proposals require fire safety standards and a one-meter space around the structures.

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan will seek approval to strengthen the Criminal Assets Bureau’s (CAB) ability to seize crypto-assets through amendments to the Proceeds of Crime and Related Matters Bill 2025. These amendments will provide new payment-freezing measures tailored to crypto-assets and enhance CAB’s powers of search, seizure, and detention.