{
  "id": 8469525,
  "title": "Govt may introduce tax break for childminders - Harris",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/govt-may-introduce-tax-break-for-childminders-harris",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-19T13:23:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTE News",
    "slug": "rte-news",
    "url": "https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2026/0919/1592192-govt-may-introduce-tax-break-for-childminders-harris/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Minister for Finance Simon Harris mentioned during an informal meeting of EU Finance Ministers in Dublin Castle that the Government might introduce a tax break for childminders in next month's Budget. He explained that the current tax relief for self-employed childminders earning up to €15,000 annually is outdated, as he is considering options within his department to support home-based childcare providers. Harris reiterated his stance against eliminating stamp duty for first-time homebuyers, despite Taoiseach Michael Martin expressing support for the idea. The Coalition is prioritizing childcare affordability and accessibility as part of the upcoming Budget, with Taoiseach and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers also endorsing these measures. Meanwhile, the cost of home heating oil has surged by 44% over the past year, leading to discussions about potential VAT reductions, though senior Ministers have distanced themselves from such proposals due to the significant financial implications. The Government is exploring targeted supports for home heating oil, including the possibility of treating it differently under the carbon tax framework.",
  "summary": "The Minister for Finance has said the Government may introduce a tax break for childminders in next month's Budget.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "RTE News",
        "title": "Govt may introduce tax break for childminders - Harris",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/govt-may-introduce-tax-break-for-childminders-harris-8482847",
        "published": "2026-09-19T13:23:48.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}