Department of Public Expenditure

"...As part of our estimate negotiations, I asked Departments to assess their full allocations for 2026, not just additional funding - to identify reforms and efficiencies. Focus remains on value for money and ensuring that public spending delivers real impact for our people.”

Jack Chambers said:

“Today’s figures show gross voted spending of €77.5 billion to the end of September, broadly in line with departmental profiles and just 0.2% above expectations.

Compared to last year, spending is up 7.5%, reflecting delivery of Budget 2025 priorities..."

Today Ministers Jack Chambers & Paschal Donohoe unveiled the Exchequer Returns.

An Exchequer surplus of €1.4 billion was recorded to end-September. This compares to a surplus of €5.0 billion last year, a decline of €3.6 billion.

Press Release:
tinyurl.com/5ccs52ad

Speaking at the conference, Minister Chambers said:

"As we navigate this age of disruption, let us do so with ambition, with pragmatism, and with a shared commitment to building a resilient, prosperous future for both Ireland and the UK."

#ChamberConf25

The conference celebrates and acknowledges the economic and trading relationship between the UK and Ireland.

Topics discussed included; how the improved relationship between both Governments should be leveraged by the private sector to increase investment across both islands.

Today, Minister Jack Chambers attended the British Irish Chamber of Commerce (BICC) Annual Conference.

This year's conference was titled:

‘Together Through Change: UK–Ireland Partnership in an Age of Disruption’

Speaking at the event, Minister Chambers said:

“The opening of [these] new premises underscores the scale and growing complexity of [SAGE Advocacy’s] work.

It’s clear Sage Advocacy is more than playing its part to ensure that Ireland continues to move forward with compassion, integrity, and care.”

It provides information, support, advocacy, and safeguarding services to older people, survivors of institutional abuse, and healthcare patients who need assistance accessing other services.

They work to ensure that vulnerable adults have their voices heard and are supported.

Yesterday, Minister Jack Chambers attended the opening of the new Sage Advocacy offices at Merchants Quay, Dublin 8.

Sage Advocacy is the National Advocacy Service for Older People in Ireland.

Minister Chambers said in his concluding remarks:

"We are laying the foundations to support investment and sound management of the public finances. This will reinforce our economic and fiscal resilience... This is what will sustain progress for future generations."

The address spoke of delivery, and covered measures such as the Medium Term Expenditure Framework 📈 and the NDP Review 🏗️ , as well as the issue of Value for Money 💰 and broader Government measures before outlining what all of this means for Budget 2026 and beyond.

On Friday 19th September, Minister Jack Chambers gave the opening address at the annual Dublin Economics Workshop (DEW), which took place in Wexford.

Minister Chambers speech was titled:

‘Delivering for the future: ensuring efficient and effective public investment’.

This recognition highlights OGCIO’s transformative work in building trusted and transparent digital public service aligned with key national and EU strategies, including the Public Service Data Strategy, National AI Strategy & Better Public Services Strategy.

Congratulations to the OGCIO's Data Governance Unit who today won the Best Cross-Organisation Collaboration award at Irelands eGovernment Awards 2025!

Congratulations to the entire team for leading the way in ethical and inclusive data governance!

Minister Chambers

“The IDA’s support for companies like Acuity further demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting high-impact innovation projects. These investments accelerate the development of new technologies and ensure that Ireland remains at the forefront of global innovation.”

Large group on roof of building in Cork

Speaking at the event, Minister Chambers said:

“On behalf of the Government of Ireland, I am delighted to welcome Acuity to our shores and to celebrate the opening of their new Innovation Hub here in Cork."

Group on roof

Minister Jack Chambers today attended Acuity Ireland’s office opening in Penrose Dock, Cork. This is the opening of the company’s first office space in Ireland, announcing 100 jobs.

Speaking about the funding, Minister Chambers said:

"This demonstrates the Government’s commitment to delivering essential infrastructure across our country, including our islands and our Gaeltacht communities."

Full Press Release:

tinyurl.com/5jkneccs

The development comprises the construction of a concrete pier extension and a breakwater, designed to provide better protection from waves and storms within the harbour 🌊 , along with increased berthage space for vessels 🚌.

Dara Calleary TD, and Jack Chambers TD announced that funding of €35.75 million has been approved for Galway County Council to proceed with the Inis Oírr pier extension project, a flagship infrastructure project under the Government’s National Development Plan 🏗️

Minister Chambers said:
"Expenditure to this point in the year reflects sustained investment in our public services and infrastructure.”

Full press release: www.gov.ie/en/departmen...

At a headline level, an Exchequer surplus of €4.1 billion was recorded to end-July. This compares to a surplus of €3.4 billion last year, an improvement of €0.7 billion.

Minister Jack Chambers and Minister Paschal Donohoe
today unveiled the latest exchequer returns.

The returns show that tax receipts to end-July were up by €5.6 billion (10.8 per cent) on the same period last year.

Applications for funding will remain open until noon on Thursday 11 September.

Further information and the application form are available online at gov.ie.

Funding made available under the Integration and Employment of Migrants action of the Employment, Inclusion, Skills & Training (EIST) Programme 2021-2027. Jointly funded by the European Union, through the European Social Fund Plus Ireland (ESF+), and the Government of Ireland.

Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy announces fund to support the integration and employment of people who have moved here as migrants.

Up to €2.7 million available under the Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) Programme.

tinyurl.com/3kxsf9s8

Throughout the morning they spoke on an array of topics including:

The Programme for Government 2025, Digital Infrastructure, Water and Energy improvements, the Public Service Data Strategy 2030, Cybersecurity, A.I use within the public service and many more.

Minister Jack Chambers met with members of The Executive Forum today at the The Merrion Hotel, Dublin for an interview with their Managing Director, Conor Morris.

Minister Chambers said:

“This Report marks a critical step in the Government’s effort to accelerate infrastructure delivery. We are investing at record levels, and the most recent review of the National Development Plan reflects that ambition. "

The report highlights what the Department considers to be the most impactful barriers impeding infrastructure development which have emerged from the consultation process 📝