The Tánaiste and Minister for Finance has said one of his main priorities in his new role will be to set out a medium-term fiscal framework for the country.
Simon Harris said it will be "a new medium-term economic plan for Ireland, which ends short-termism" and will "anchor our spending and taxation plans, not year to year, but for the years ahead".
"This will set out a budgetary path to maintain sustainable public finances, deliver progress on the economic and social priorities of Government, and protect the long-term prospects of our country," he said.
He said the analysis available to him suggests that there is "a window of opportunity in which to prepare the ground for significant demographic and other changes" in the country.
"Our government is determined we will not miss this window to strengthen our economic and social foundations to support future gains in living standards," he added.
Mr Harris made the comments in an address to the annual Cork Chamber Dublin Dinner, which took place in the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road in Dublin tonight, which was attended by over 650 guests.
In a keynote address, the Tánaiste set out what he described as his "guiding principles" as he takes up the mantle of Minister for Finance.
It includes a pledge to "steer Ireland's economic policy to continue those record levels of investment in infrastructure, but also being restless for reform in terms of delivery" and to "pull every lever, so that we can increase our housing supply".
He also committed to "wisely manage our resources to deliver better public services as our population grows, protect jobs and back businesses and farmers, and to crucially save for the future in an uncertain world".
"Because, those who are in Dáil Éireann who believe we should spend all that we have, and then spend even what we don't have, is not a good idea in terms of keeping our country safe into the future," he added.
Mr Harris said the Government has "run budget surpluses for the last three years and we must continue to make the right political choices in the years ahead, so that my children and their children never experience the austerity that my generation did".
"Whatever may come, and we know that could include a financial shock, I have twin underpinning precepts: no matter what, we will continue to build, and we will protect public services," he added.
He said it is his philosophy that "economic prosperity and social cohesion go hand in hand" and he said the public finances must be managed "both responsibly and equitably" for the people of Ireland.
The Tánaiste also said that balanced regional development is a massive priority for Cork Chamber and he said the issue is also a priority for him and the Government.
"We cannot face global uncertainty with outdated infrastructure at home.
"Cork is not just an economic region; but it is integral to our national economic prosperity and trading success. From the docklands to the harbour, from the start up ecosystem to world class multinationals, Cork continues to shape our national story," he added.
In his address, he said projects like the Cork Docklands regeneration, the Cork Luas, the expansion of the Port of Cork, and the N28 upgrade, "speak to a government determined to match Cork’s ambition with national action".
"The Cork Docklands project alone will transform 147 hectares of underused land into a dynamic, sustainable urban quarter. Jobs, homes, innovation, and opportunity all in one place," he said.
He committed that the Government "will deliver the infrastructure that a growing population and a growing region need, most especially in housing, but also in water, energy, transport and climate".
President of the Cork Chamber Rob Horgan called for "joined-up thinking" from the Government on regional growth.
Mr Hogan urged the Coalition to ensure that regional strengths are not just recognised, but that they are also invested in.
He said regions are "not competitors, but complementary contributors to Ireland's shared success".
Mr Horgan said there are "a number of interconnected social and economic enablers that must be prioritised to realise Cork and Ireland’s full potential".
"Cork’s priorities are Ireland’s priorities. They are about keeping our country competitive, sustainable, delivering now and also ready for the future," he said.
At the event, Cork Chamber presented the Outstanding Contribution to Business Award for 2025 posthumously in honour of the late John Mullins.
The business group said the award recognised "John’s exceptional leadership in business, his deep commitment to public and civic life, and his enduring impact on Cork and Ireland."
The former Bord Gáis chief executive, and a past President of Cork Chamber, passed away in April at the age of 57.
Mr Mullins also served as Chairman of the Port of Cork Company from 2013 to 2021.
He was also a Fine Gael candidate for the European Parliament in Ireland South last year, polling almost 40,000 votes.
