BIG FLAK FOR GOVT

THE Government opted to squirrel away the public billions for a rainy day and a better future, as big developers and fast food chains were prioritised and workers forgotten.

- BY CIARA O'LOUGHLIN Political Correspondent

The budgetary package for 2026 is €9.4billion, €150million less than last year. Some €8.1bn is in public spending, and €1.3bn is in tax measures.

Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have been slammed by the opposition and struggling workers for doing nothing right now to tackle the cost of living crisis.

Labour TD Ged Nash described it as a budget for burger barons, as fast food outlets like McDonald's will gain from the cut in the VAT rate for hospitality.

Social Democrats finance spokesman Cian O'Callaghan agreed, stating: "Your budget awards multinational companies like McDonald's and Starbucks millions in extra profits while families choosing between heating and eating are denied targeted energy credits."

Some families were €2,000 better off after last year’s bumper Budget but will see nothing to that effect in 2026.

The only one-off measure announced was a double payment at Christmas for long-term social welfare recipients.

For the first time in four years, income tax bands did not increase, which has provided up to €1,000 relief for some workers in recent years.

VOLATILE

Restaurants and pubs that sell food rejoiced that VAT was finally reduced from 13.5% to 9%, and it will come into effect next July.

There was essentially nothing for single middle-income earners. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe told this paper our readers in this category would "want to see more homes being built and moving investment in our country's future".