Taoiseach Simon Harris has pushed back against speculation that there will be a general election in November, reaffirming that the Coalition would go "full term".
Speaking at the party's think-in in Tullamore, Co Offaly, he said that he had given this commitment to the other Coalition leaders and he had been clear about what he meant.
Asked if this meant the general election was definitely happening in 2025, rather than 2024, the Fine Gael leader declined to answer, saying everyone knew what "full term" meant.
Mr Harris also said that the Government will consider further changes to the supports available to those seeking asylum in Ireland "in the coming weeks".
While Irish people "know the value of migration," he added that "they also want to know the Government is listening to their concerns".
To that end, the Taoiseach said that the Coalition will enhance resources for the Community Engagement Team and will commence a communications campaign from the end of this month because, he said, "we understand the very legitimate concerns people have, and we have to work with communities to address the very basic questions" .
€14bn Apple windfall
On the pending €14bn windfall following the European Court of Justice ruling, Mr Harris said it would be "utterly irresponsible" for the Government to give an immediate answer as to how it should be spent.
He said the money would not arrive for a "period of time" and it was right for the Government to reflect on what should be done, but ruled out the cash being used for day-to-day spending.
However, Mr Harris said areas worthy of consideration for where to spend the money include housing and infrastructure.
He said the Government will "calmly" consider how it will use the huge funding boost.
Mr Harris said: "We will obviously have to have a considered discussion as a Government as to what to do with that level of funding that clearly is one off.
"We will have that discussion. We should have that discussion as three parties.
"I think there are clear areas where it would merit consideration around infrastructure, housing and other areas where there are constraints.
"I don't think it’s useful for everybody to make lots of different suggestions here.
"I think what is most useful is that government, in due course, calmly considers the matter as to what is the most appropriate use of these resources, in the interest of the Irish people, our country and our economy.
"I’m sure there’ll be many projects, many areas that will fit that bill."
Scoping inquiry report
On the scoping report into sexual abuse at Catholic schools run by religious orders, the Fine Gael leader said that it shone a light on a terrible time in the country's past.
"Lives have been destroyed," he said.
Asked if he would ensure that religious order contributed to any compensation payments, or the Government might use compulsory purchase orders on church land, the Taoiseach said that - rather than an adversarial approach - he would just say: "I expect people who preach Christianity to act in a Christian way".
Mr Harris said that previously, the church got "off the hook" regarding financial payments while the taxpayers were on the hook.
Taoiseach @SimonHarrisTD has arrived at the @FineGael 2-day gathering in Tullamore @rtenews pic.twitter.com/S5ArEuqRC6
— Paul Cunningham (@RTENewsPaulC) September 11, 2024
More than 70 Fine Gael politicians and general election candidates have gathered in Tullamore for a two-day gathering ahead of the return of the Dáil next week.
Fine Gael has selected 47 candidates in 30 constituencies for a general election which could take place next March, but speculation suggests will be held this November.
That is the backdrop to the Tullamore gathering, in which the party hopes to illustrate how it can make a positive difference on issues like housing, protecting small businesses, law and order, and migration.
Mr Harris said that the party would have a blend of candidates: experienced incumbents mixed with new, fresh, eager, and enthusiastic candidates.
The Taoiseach said that his party will begin a nationwide consultation with parents and childcare providers next week on what the future childcare model should be, and would engage on "big fundamental questions" such as whether childcare should be more closely linked to our public education system.
The Taoiseach claimed the Government had made a lot of progress in reducing the cost of childcare but it was also essential to ensure each child had a place.
He added that the costings of any new measure, and the timing by which it could be introduced, would be contained in the party's general election manifesto.
