Sebastian Barnes

Head of Government’s spending watchdog quits 18 months before term ends

Macroeconomist replaces Sebastian Barnes who left at the end of June

Wed Jul 05 2023 - 15:29

Intricate dance of the pay deal about to begin again

Unclear whether talks will focus on new pact or extension to current deal

Fri Apr 08 2022 - 15:12

State may see another surge in corporate tax from new 15% rate, says Ifac

Irish Fiscal Advisory Council chairman casts doubt on Government’s €2 billion loss forecast

Wed Dec 08 2021 - 19:23

Government not budgeting for climate and healthcare, Ifac claims

Fiscal advisory watchdog warns on continuing over-reliance on corporate tax receipts

Wed Dec 01 2021 - 00:01

The curious case of Leo the Leftie and the Giant Government Giveaway

Having lambasted Fianna Fáil for its profligacy, is Varadkar now losing the run of himself?

Sat Sept 25 2021 - 01:00

Concerns rise in Government that pandemic rewards for public sector may wipe out budget resources

Union claim for 10 days’ leave for health staff could cost €377m, HSE estimates

Thu Sept 23 2021 - 01:00

Ifac warns Government about cutting taxes while spending more

Budgetary watchdog says State needs to prioritise

Wed Sept 22 2021 - 16:29

Ifac’s criticism and the Government shoulder-shrugging response

Council launches another attack on Government’s budgetary projections

Thu Sept 16 2021 - 05:45

Government avoiding ‘hard choices’ on budget - watchdog warns

Fiscal Advisory Council says Coalition’s revised spending plans may overheat economy

Wed Sept 15 2021 - 00:23

Fiscal council concerned over level of risk in summer economic statement

Sebastian Barnes says 3% deficit is very large by historical standards in Ireland

Fri Jul 16 2021 - 10:28

Ifac warns ‘permanent spending’ increases will limit Government’s financial options

Budgetary watchdog launches calculator that lets users explore budgetary options

Fri Jun 25 2021 - 15:12

Big decisions soon about the post-Covid trajectory of the public finances

A number of long-term spending proposals are raising eyebrows in the Department of Finance and the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council

Tue Jun 22 2021 - 01:27

Fiscal council says pandemic welfare supports will be needed into 2022

Council claims Covid payments halved the contraction in the domestic economy

Thu May 27 2021 - 16:02

Fiscal council should have legal right to budgetary data, OECD says

OECD assesses work of Government’s fiscal watchdog

Tue Feb 16 2021 - 04:50