Budget 2026

Opposition parties condemn Budget 2026 as favouring developers over ordinary people

Opposition parties condemn Budget 2026 as favouring developers over ordinary people

Opposition parties have strongly criticized Budget 2026, accusing the government of ignoring the cost-of-living crisis and prioritizing developers and multinational corporations over struggling families and workers. Sinn Féin finance spokesman Pearse Doherty said the budget has “completely abandoned ordinary people” as the cost-of-living crisis has worsened since last November’s general election. He accused the government … Read more

Budget 2026: €10 social welfare increase, minimum wage rises to €14.15, and VAT changes announced

Budget 2026: €10 social welfare increase, minimum wage rises to €14.15, and VAT changes announced

The government has unveiled Budget 2026, featuring a €10 increase to all core social welfare rates, a minimum wage hike to €14.15, and significant VAT changes for businesses. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers announced the measures, which include a double Christmas bonus payment for social welfare recipients and a 65-cent … Read more

Government considers expanding student grant access and increasing payments in Budget 2026

Government considers expanding student grant access and increasing payments in Budget 2026

More third-level students could receive reductions on their annual college fees in next week’s budget, as the Government considers expanding grant access and increasing payment amounts. Government sources have indicated that options are “on the table” to reform the student contribution grant, which helps students cover their annual college fees. The measures under consideration could … Read more

Budget 2026 may see public transport fare increases or service cuts due to €250m shortfall

Budget 2026 may see public transport fare increases or service cuts due to €250m shortfall

Public transport users face the prospect of higher fares or reduced services in Budget 2026 as the Government grapples with a €250 million funding deficit in state-run transport operations. The shortfall exists in the public service obligation funding for transport services including Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, and Luas operations. This funding mechanism supports routes that … Read more

Budget 2026 social welfare increases in doubt as spending talks stall

Budget 2026 social welfare increases in doubt as spending talks stall

Proposed social welfare increases of up to €12 are at risk after the Department of Social Protection was instructed to revise its budget submissions following concerns over excessive spending demands. Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary has been told by Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers to “go back to the drawing board” on his department’s Budget … Read more

Budget 2026 will not expand first homes scheme to second-hand properties, Taoiseach confirms

Budget 2026 will not expand first homes scheme to second-hand properties, Taoiseach confirms

The Government will not expand the First Homes scheme to cover second-hand house purchases in next month’s budget, with the Taoiseach confirming the focus will remain on boosting new housing supply. Speaking in New York, Micheál Martin ruled out extending the scheme for first-time buyers to include existing properties, despite a Programme for Government commitment … Read more