The EU is awaiting final agreements on trade tariffs with the US, leading to a different budget this year, which will not include a cost of living package. Taoiseach Mr Martin acknowledged that public expenditure has risen by 8% to 9% annually and stated that such spending levels are unsustainable. Challenges were noted regarding tariffs, unstable trade, and the temporary nature of some tax revenues. The government remains committed to reducing student fees over its term, and plans to integrate commitments into the mainstream budget.
"Public expenditure has risen on average, 8pc to 9pc over the last number of years. Such high levels of expenditure are not sustainable on the current basis."
"It was a sobering enough meeting, to be frank, in terms of the challenges that lie ahead, given the backdrop of tariffs and uncertainty in trade."
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