Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers defends the 2027 budget on Newstalk’s The Hard Shoulder, arguing it prioritizes cost-of-living relief through targeted social protection and childcare support rather than universal measures. He addresses criticism regarding the deferral of carbon tax increases, explaining the shift as a necessary response to unprecedented energy shocks and winter price pressures. Chambers also justifies tax changes that reward work and enterprise investment, while outlining significant expansions in disability services and special education to support vulnerable…