Budget 2026 was announced yesterday with new measures being introduced.

Increases to the minimum wage are offset by a lack of any major income tax cuts in Budget 2026.

The cost of cigarettes and fuel will also increase.

Also - there will be a cut to the VAT rate for the food elements of the hospitality sector from the 1st of July next year.

There will also be a VAT rate cut on new apartments, corporation tax benefits for those running cost rental schemes and a new DERELICT property tax charged at at least 7 per cent.

The renters tax credit has been extended while the lower 9% VAT rate on gas and electricity has been extended until the end of 2030.

Mortgage interest relief has been extended while the R&D tax credit has been made more generous.

50c has been added to the cost of a pack of cigarettes, but nothing on alcohol, and increases in the carbon tax mean car fuel will get more expensive from midnight.

To give their thoughts on all this, Daragh Dolan spoke with Timmy Dooley, Tulla Fianna Fáil TD, Junior Minister and Donna McGettigan, Shannon Sinn Féin TD on Wednesday's Morning Focus.

Photo (c) Clare FM