What does Budget 2026 have for you and your pocket? Illustration: Paul Scott
The Government has taken the wraps off its first budget since being installed at the start of the year. Budget 2026 was a less flashy affair than previous years, with the €9.4 billion package shorn of generous once-offs like double child benefit payments and electricity credits.
So, what does Budget 2026 have for you and your pocket?
Tax package and contingency
The tax package has been pared back by €200 million to allow for more targeted spending in supports for the most vulnerable – meaning that €1.3 billion, not €1.5 billion, in taxation measures in this budget
A contingency fund of €1 billion is being set up to respond to spending pressures, and to cover the costs of hosting the EU presidency next year
Personal tax and minimum wage
No broad-strokes personal tax package
Minimum wage goes up by 65c to €14.15 per hour
In order to avoid penalising minimum wage earners, the Universal Social Charge (USC) 2 per cent rate band raises to €28,700
Welfare
Jack Chambers said there was a €2 billion increase in spending for the Department of Social Protection - although the Department’s budget day materials only refer to a €1.15 billion increase
There will be a €10 across-th
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