There is very little scope to hold the Budget early given the amount of preparation involved, the Minister for Finance has said.
Michael McGrath said he is planning for a Budget to take place as usual in October.
The minister said there has been any discussions within Government around bringing forward the date of the budget.
But a memo will go to Cabinet in the next few weeks recommending an October Budget.
This significant intervention from the Minister for Finance comes amid heightened speculation that the Budget could take early to allow for a general election in October.
Minister McGrath added that a Finance Bill and a Social Welfare Bill must be enacted after the Budget to give effect to all its measures.
This is likely to take several weeks and it will involve legislation going before Oireachtas committees along with the Dáil and Seanad.
Minister McGrath said the Government wants more people to feel the benefits of a strong economy and a buoyant labour market.
The minister’s views around the timing of the Budget suggests that an election could not take place until November at the earliest.
Mr McGrath is also strongly linked with upcoming European Commissioner post, which is expected to be announced within weeks.
