Tough decisions for Budget 2026

PURSE STRINGS Paschal O'Donohoe and Jack Chambers

- BY LOUISE BURNE

FINANCE Minister Paschal Donohoe and Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers warned tough decisions will need to be made ahead of the Budget.

It came amid indications that a reduced VAT rate for hospitality will take precedence over tax cuts.

The National Economic Dialogue was held in Dublin Castle yesterday, marking the start of the budgetary process before the package is revealed in October.

It comes ahead of the publication of the Summer Economic Statement and Mr Chambers unveiling a new National Development Plan next month.