Budget 2026 has been announced.
And it's a mixed bag all round - with some happier than others about the year's financial plan.
This year’s package is €9.4 billion, with €8.1bn allocated for public spending, and a tax package of €1.3bn.
There is a surplus of €10.2 billion this year, and of €5.1 billion next year.
Here's what that means across some key areas:
Student Fees
Student Contribution fees will drop by €500 - down to €2,500 a year.
Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers says it is a permanent measure.
However, the national students' union says they were hoping for a bigger cut.
AMLÉ President Bryan O'Mahony says what's being sold as a reduction is actually being perceived as an increase - compared to the €1,000 cut in the last few budgets.
Minimum Wage
The minimum wage will rise by 65 cent to €14.15 per hour.
It will come into effect on the 1st of January 2026.
Education
Over 1,700 additional SNAs will be hired in 2026.
1,042 new teaching posts will be created, including 860 special needs teachers.
The capitation rates paid to schools will rise.
Elsewhere, an extra 35,000 children are set to benefit from the National Childcare Scheme.
Measures will be introduced to improve Year 5 of pay for educators and school age children practitioners.
The Government says 2,300 extra childcare places will come through the Building Blocks programme.
Child support payment increase by €8 per week for under 12s and 16 per week for over 12s.
Working family payment is also rising by 60 euro per week.
Social Welfare
1.5 million people will receive an extra 10 euro per week in social welfare.
They'll also receive double payment at Christmas.
Artists
The pilot basic income scheme for artists is to be made permanent.
Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers says extra money will be made available for big projects too.
Rent Tax
A tax expert says a three-year extension will be welcomed by tenants.
‘The Tax Nerd’ Mairéad O’Driscoll says some homeowners will also benefit from an extension to the mortgage interest relief scheme.
AI
The Government is to establish a national artificial intelligence office.
Ministers say its for safe use of AI in Ireland and for competitiveness and productivity.
Sport
The budget for Sport Ireland will increase by €10. 7 million euro.
Jack Chambers says €3 million of that will go towards setting up League of Ireland football academies.
Cigarettes
The price of cigarettes is going up again.
50 cent will be added to a pack of 20.
EVS
The 5,000 euro VRT relief on electric vehicles will be extended to the end of December 2026.
Finance Minister Pascal Donohue says the benefit in kind relief on company EVs is being extended but only temporarily.
VAT
The VAT rate for the food and catering businesses and hairdressing services to reduce to 9 percent from the 1st of July 2026
Metrolink
The Metrolink has been allocated 2 billion euro in funding in Budget 2026.
The Public Expenditure Minister says it's time to deliver the project after it was granted planning permission last week.
It aims to bring passengers from Swords into Dublin City in 25 minutes, passing the airport on the way.
