The coalition leaders emphasized a unified approach to welfare rates, with Senior Fianna Fáil suggesting a collective increase while Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys advocated a higher rise for select payments.
Taoiseach Simon Harris showed support for Minister Humphreys' proposal for larger increases on specific welfare payments, yet acknowledged the historical consistency of equal raises across welfare rates in previous budgets.
Minister Norma Foley's budget allocations ensured continued support in the education sector, including free schoolbooks for students up to the Leaving Cert and the waiving of exam fees for another year.
Discussions among coalition leaders highlighted potential funding challenges, particularly for increasing welfare rates, with Mr Chambers proposing significant extensions and tax adjustments to support housing schemes.
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