The Tánaiste joined Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers as they jointly published the Government’s Summer Economic Statement on Wednesday.

The Tánaiste, who is also the Finance Minister, was speaking ahead of the publication of the summer economic statement.

The Department of the Taoiseach research said the country faced a “conundrum” of needing skilled labour even as it added to pressures on housing and infrastructure

Brendan McDonagh has withdrawn his name from consideration to be the office’s first chief executive.

Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman said the proposal was not a ploy to attract former Green voters back.

The budget will take place on Tuesday.