'Whiff of 2008 crash' sparks Budget alarm

But Donohoe insists 'no repeat' of mistakes at time of financial crisis

- CILLIAN SHERLOCK

FINANCE Minister Paschal Donohoe said nobody is more aware than himself of the dangers of repeating the mistakes of the financial crash, as he was warned of a “whiff of 2008" ahead of the Budget.

The Central Bank, Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC), and Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) have all raised concerns about the risk of the planned Budget package overheating the economy.

The Summer Economic Statement set out a planned package of €9.4bn for Budget 2026 - including €7.9bn in additional public spending and €1.5bn in the tax package.