DUBLIN, IRELAND: In the upcoming budget, reductions in bus and rail fares and an expansion of the free school book program are expected to be introduced.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin has highlighted the necessity for government interventions to counter inflation and address the rising cost of living, particularly in areas such as health and education, which have witnessed cost reductions in previous budgets.

Regarding the possible reduction in public transport fares, Tanaiste Martin said, "We await proposals from the Minister [for Transport], but I was a strong advocate, one of the earliest advocates for the cut in transport costs during the crisis when we put forward the idea of young people having the 50 percent cut because I feel alone does it increase participation in public transport. But it also deals with the climate change agenda."

The recent introduction of free primary-level books, a significant policy shift, was acknowledged by the Tanaiste. However, he suggested that this policy might not be extended to secondary education, emphasizing limitations to the overall scope of such measures.

In addition, Martin expressed reservations about the introduction of votes of no confidence in the Garda Commissioner or other organizational heads, deeming it a potentially risky move. This concern arises after an overwhelming vote of no confidence by Garda rank-and-file members in Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, with 98.7 percent support from the Garda Representative Association (GRA).

The Tanaiste emphasized the importance of relying on established and trusted methods for appointing individuals to key positions in Irish society, expressing unease about periodically subjecting figures such as the Garda Commissioner or other organizational leaders to confidence votes.

"It sets a dangerous precedent if we go down the road of saying that we can, every now and again, have a vote of confidence in not just the garda but all organizations."