Budget 2026 will be constrained. Households should not expect sweeping relief, while businesses will see only limited supports. 

Those most likely to benefit are the most vulnerable through social welfare. It is likely that incomes will slightly increase through lower taxes, and grocery bills should slow their exponential growth, but costs are unlikely to fall.

Yet the real challenge lies beyond this year. Without broader reforms - such as reviewing welfare thresholds, adjusting tax bands more systematically and reducing overreliance on volatile corporate tax receipts - budgets will remain exercises in patching holes rather than planning for the future.

Cróna Clohisey, Director of Members and Advocacy in Chartered Accountants Ireland, joined us on The Agenda this morning to tell us more about what we can expect from Budget 2026.

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