Firstly, the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (Ifac) raised concerns about the scale of spending outlined in Budget 2021. Ifac also raised transparency concerns about almost €3bn in spending increases for 2021 in non-exchequer areas such as local councils. "You can't rule out some tax increases under different headings, but we are determined, first of all to bring about the recovery of the economy," he said. He acknowledged that Ifac was critical of extra expenditure laid out in Budget 2021, but went on to defend the increases. Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath said earlier this week that tax increases are likely.

Source: Irish Examiner December 05, 2020 08:00 UTC