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Federation of Irish Sport Launches Pre-Budget Submission for Budget 2025 - Athletics Ireland

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Empowering Every Level, from Recreational Runners to Ireland’s Elite

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€15m rise in spending on youth work would help 32,000 youngsters, says Foróige

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Research found that youth organisations were the second-worst affected area, within the community and voluntary sector, since the recession

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Explainer: When is Budget 2025? And everything else you need to know

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The Government has promised further tax cuts, social welfare payment increases, infrastructure upgrades and a large cost-of-living package in Budget 2025.

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Austin Hughes: Why spending big in Budget 2025 is only a problem if we spend badly

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Most of the economic advice going to the Government of late has warned of the risks of trying to do too much in the upcoming Budget. But, in economics, as in life, risks don’t always lie only in one direction. There are significant risks that Budget 2025 fails to fully grasp the opportunity we now have to transform the outlook for the Irish economy for the better.

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Eoghan O’Mara Walsh: The Budget provides Government with the chance to prioritise indigenous businesses

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The Apple tax saga has shown both how vulnerable and dependent Ireland is on multinationals. It’s high-time that the Government supported domestic home-grown sectors

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Budget 2025: Farmer and mum of two believes she is ‘not allowed to make an income or a profit that can be put aside for the future’

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A farmer has urged the Government to put the viability of farm families front and centre in the Budget, as many watch their margins being eroded.

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The upcoming Budget presents the Government with an opportunity. The State has both a significant forecasted Budget surplus and is running a significant surplus in our Balance of Payments. We are in the enviable position of being flush with the resources we have built through exporting, rather than borrowing from abroad.

The understandable pre-election temptation will be to 'have one more for the road'. This would be a mistake. Spending the whole surplus, or worse still borrowing, to continue with temporary giveaways to households who don't all need them, would represent a significant risk to the public finances. We are entering a period of major change in the global economy. Revenues may be volatile; we need to leave room for risk.

In our full submission we set out in detail over 75 evidence-based policy recommendations. These policies would drive Ireland's ability to compete in an increasingly competitive global environment by addressing these major deficits. This document gives a brief overview of some of the key strategic asks. Sharpening our competitive edge is within the gift of the Government. The major choice in October will be between investing in our continued prosperity or having one-last giveaway today.

Budget 2025 Priorities:

Ireland's economic model faces a new global context. Despite recent turbulence, the economy is stronger, but state-driven competition, geopolitical tensions, and reduced trade openness challenge small countries like Ireland. Competing with larger countries on subsidies is impossible, so focusing on our strengths is crucial for maintaining high living standards.

To ensure competitiveness, we must avoid past mistakes and address high costs. The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council highlights our rising costs. Budget 2025 should introduce an Employer PRSI rebate, simplify the corporate tax regime, and re-establish the 'Better Regulation Unit' to ease business burdens.

Balancing low carbon goals with reduced energy costs is vital. Budget 2025 should introduce measures like a low carbon super deduction, expand the capital allowance regime, and ringfence €400 million for a Carbon Contracts for Difference scheme, to be allocated over a number of years.

Investing in skills is essential. With a €2 billion surplus in the National Training Fund (NTF) by 2025, we should use it to upskill the workforce. Treating NTF spending like other specific purpose funds would support this.

We must address underinvestment in infrastructure and public goods. Budget 2025 should ensure adequate staffing in regulatory bodies, invest €220 million in care sectors, build affordable housing, and introduce a €200 million National Training Voucher scheme.

We need to future-proof our business model, we need a renewed focus on productivity, growth, and innovation. Budget 2025 should allocate €300 million for education and training, improve qualification recognition for non-EEA nationals, maintain retirement relief for family businesses, and invest €50 million in research and innovation, as well as €160 million in cybersecurity and digital capabilities.

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The upcoming Budget presents the Government with an opportunity. The State has both a significant forecasted Budget surplus and is running a significant surplus in our Balance of Payments. We are in the enviable position of being flush with the resources we have built through exporting, rather than borrowing from abroad.

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Read full Congress Pre Budget Submission 2025 ‘Building a Better Economic Future’

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Tánaiste: Budget 2025 will be ‘farmer friendly’ - Agriland.ie

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Tánaiste Micheál Martin said at the National Ploughing Championships in Rathenisk that Budget 2025 will be “farmer friendly”.

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Government spending for the year ahead is announced by the Minister in the Budget speech. However, the speech is simply one element in a budgetary cycle that takes place continuously over the course of the year.

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Government spending for the year ahead is announced by the Minister in the Budget speech. However, the speech is simply one element in a budgetary cycle that takes place continuously over the course of the year.

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Budget 2025: What’s on the horizon for Irish businesses?

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In Just over a week from now, Jack Chambers will rise to his feet to give his first and the coalition government's last budget. He will have billions to spend and an electorate to woo ahead of the general election which could take place in weeks rather than months.

But what will companies want to see in the budget in light of the fact that many of them have been struggling with much higher employment costs as well as red tape. We discuss all with Mairead Harbron a partner with PWC.

Related Episodes

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What will companies want to see in the budget? | Newstalk

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In Just over a week from now, Jack Chambers will rise to his feet to give his first and the coali...

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‘My son spends a lot of time in hospital, my carer’s allowance isn’t enough’ – single mum in plea for more support in Budget

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A Kildare mother who is the single parent of a 19-year-old who spends a lot of time in ICU says her carer’s allowance is not enough.

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We have already heard indications from ministers about what will be contained in the last budget before the next general election.

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The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon is the national agency for funding, developing and promoting the arts in Ireland.

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Find all the real-time insights and analysis here on what this budget means for Ireland, organisations and individuals.

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Can Budget 2025 advance eco-ambitions, simplify taxes and satisfy voter demands?

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Deloitte’s head of tax and legal, Daryl Hanberry, says modernising the current tax system is a logical first step forward for Budget 2025

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The Debate: What should be done in Budget 2025 to ease the cost-of-living crisis?

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In a recent Irish Times poll, half of voters said they wanted the Government to prioritise ‘immediate help with the cost of living’. However, there are differing views on the best way to do that

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Budget 2025: Mortgage holders to get €1,250 back if tax relief scheme is extended

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Finance Minister Jack Chambers is seeking to extend into 2025 the introduced by his predecessor Michael McGrath

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Budget Basics: Understand the plan for Budget 25 in 2.5 minutes

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What will Budget 2025 mean for employers and individuals?

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Discover what Budget 2025 means for employers and individuals in Ireland. Explore key tax measures, cost of living adjustments, and strategic planning tips.

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Budget 2025 could be both big and disappointing news for Irish media

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Government’s deal with RTÉ has reinvigorated calls for public funding from its rivals, while tax credits talk is rarely too far away

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Energy credits and welfare lump-sums would be part of €1.5bn cost-of-living budget package

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Budget 2025: Energy credits will be worth less than the three payments of €150 rolled out in last year’s budget.

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8 changes to look out for in Budget 2025

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Economic and Public Affairs Correspondent David Murphy examines the eight changes to look out for in Budget 2025.

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Budget 2025 Special | SVP Radio (Ireland)

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Listen to Budget 2025 Special from SVP Radio (Ireland). In this SVP Radio special episode we take a look ahead to Budget 2025. Stephen Daly speaks to Chair of SVP’s Social Justice Committee, Nessan Vaughan, and Research & Policy Officers Marcella Stakem and Niamh Dalziel.SVP has been at the forefront of some huge social justice changes in recent budgets, and this year the Society has more recommendations that we would hope to see the Government implement.In this podcast, we discuss the need for Poverty Act, and address recommendations on the challenges facing society in the areas of climate change, energy poverty and housing. For more information, email sjnetwork@svp.ie.

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What will Budget 2025 mean for employers and individuals?

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Discover what Budget 2025 means for employers and individuals in Ireland. Explore key tax measures, cost of living adjustments, and strategic planning tips.

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Business Today: ESRI disagrees with peers, social media silos, and Apple’s watch review

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The best news, analysis and comment from The Irish Times business desk

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Welfare supports for families and reducing the cost of education will be central to the Coalition's final budget before the general election.

In separate interviews with the Irish Independent, Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin set out their plans to help families in next Tuesday's Budget.

Mr Harris said he believes there should be a double Child Benefit payment for all parents as part of the cost-of-living package that will be announced alongside the Budget. However, he said it is not clear if there will be an increase in the monthly rate.

Mr Martin previously called for €10 increase to the monthly payment, but it appears he did not get it over the line.

"We're going to have a cost-of-living package to help people with the cost of living, we can't exclude parents and Child Benefit is helpful," Mr Harris said.

"On whether we increase the overall rate, we haven't yet made a decision on that, so I think the double payment is most likely."

The Taoiseach said he would introduce a second rate of Child Benefit for more disadvantaged families if he is in government after the next general election.

Both Mr Harris and Mr Martin said they wanted supports such as the Working Family Payment and Increase for a Qualified Child payment to be enhanced to help families on lower incomes.

The Taoiseach said he wants to see free school books for all students in primary and secondary schools. Books are currently free up to Junior Cert level and this scheme is expected to be expanded to Leaving Cert students.

The Taoiseach also wants the free School Meals Scheme expanded to all primary schools and extended into the summer months to combat "holiday hunger".

Third-level college fees are also expected to be reduced as part of the cost-of-living plan, as they were last year, but there are no plans to cut them on a permanent basis.

Mr Harris would also like to see tax credits used to help families with the cost of sending their children to extra-curricular activities such as sports or arts or music classes.

"I'm more talking about some of the actual specific costs around sport, around culture," he said.

"These are big costs that families actually face. Some families enrol a child in five, six different sports or different organisations."

Mr Martin said supports for families should be targeted through the welfare system so they can reach those most in need and specifically said he wanted extra payments for foster parents.

The Tánaiste poured cold water on the Green Party's plan for a one-off €560 Child Benefit payment for new parents.

"We'd all be for everything, but there's a limit in what we can do and you can argue too that going from sixth class to secondary school can be tough time for parents and there is a targeting issue," he said.

I don't like this idea in general, that everything has to go up by the same amount

The Fianna Fáíl leader said he was surprised by the suggestion that Jobseeker's Allowance should not go up at the same rate as other welfare payments such as the State Pension, Carer's Allowance and Disability Allowance.

"It was a surprise because it was never mooted before and there was a general agreement that the rates would all go up together because cost-of-living pressures impact on people with the lowest incomes the most," he said.

"We decided in the last four budgets we wouldn't differentiate between the different payments, but this hasn't been tabled to us. I only read about it publicly."

The Taoiseach said he agreed with Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys, who wants pensions and other payments to increase by €15 a week, but is insisting Jobseeker's Allowance does not go up by that amount because the country is in full employment.

"I think she's right, but it may well be that this Government decides to do a blanket increase because that's we've done the last four years," he said.

"I don't like this idea in general, that everything has to go up by the same amount.

"I absolutely want to see everybody who relies on the State to get assistance in the Budget and I'm happy to see the Jobseeker's (Allowance) increase, but I do think it's a legitimate point to ask if it should go up at the same rate as other rates at a time when we have full employment and when there's lots of places crying out to fill job vacancies."

The Taoiseach said he does not want "unintended consequences" for children in poverty if Jobseeker's Allowance is not increased, but said other welfare supports can help address this.

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Parents and children set to be big Budget winners as new supports for families planned

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Parents and children are set to be the big winners in next week's Budget, with the Government planning to target new spending measures on families.

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Minimum wage hikes in budget could see PRSI threshold increase for employers

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Government expected to increase minimum wage following recommendation by Low Pay Commission

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All Budget speeches are closely watched for details about policies and promises, but if you've not been a close listener to the discussion of the nation's finances, it may start to sound complicated. With that in mind, here's a breakdown on the basics, and the background to what's expected. The Budget Package
The government proposed a budget package of €8.3b in their Summer Economic statement. That means they said they are to allocate that amount of money in the 2025 budget to additional spending, or cuts in taxes.

Of that €8.3b, €6.9b is proposed for spending increases - to be spent on public services and the likes - and €1.4b is allocated to tax changes.

However, of €6.9b in spending, the vast majority is what's called 'pre-committed.'
Pre-committed
In each Budget, the ministers set out plans for which play out in the public finances over coming years, not just in the headline Budget year. To make good on commitments made in previous budgets can mean allocating additional money each year.

This is money that would be required regardless of whether or not the government announced any new policies or tax changes, and is referred to 'pre-committed spending.'

Of the €6.9b set out for additional spending in 2025 in the government's plans, €5.1b of it is pre-committed. That leaves €1.8b for spending related to new policies.

It is announcements about spending of that €1.8b, and the specifics on tax changes, that are expected to make most of the budget headlines.

The tax changes will be announced by Minister for Finance Jack Chambers while Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe will deliver details on spending.

Ministers Paschal Donohoe & Jack Chambers

Giveaway?
The ministers have said they won't be delivering a 'giveaway budget' but all the politicians, activists, and lobbyists - not to mention anyone using public services, receiving social welfare or paying tax - may be listening closely for word on whatever changes they have been seeking, for months if not years.

RTE's Economics and Public Affairs Correspondent David Murphy has set out eight specifics to watch out for here.

Journalists and campaigners will also be waiting for word on what the government intends to do with the €14b in extra cash the national account will soon receive following the conclusion of the Apple tax case.
A bite of the Apple?
In recent weeks, after a multi-year legal process, courts in Europe concluded Apple owed Ireland the money in back taxes.
Read: RTE's Business Editor Will Goodbody explains the history of the Apple tax case
That money is outside the €8.3b budget package plan announced previously, but the Taoiseach has said some information will be given on plans for it around budget day.

He has said it will be used for infrastructure and investments for future benefit, and not on day-to-day spending.

With an election looming and cash coming, there may be a temptation to deviate from the proposed package.

However, it is a big spending bonanza that the likes of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council is warning about. They are the economists appointed to advise on budget strategy.

Even before the Apple case concluded, they were warning that the €8.3b plan could represent too much government spending, which could drive up prices and cause economic problems for the future.
'Striking the balance'
Paschal Donohoe has said Budget 2025 will be about "getting the balance right between keeping our public finances safe and getting ready for the risks of tomorrow."

That is a statement about priorities and planning, but budgets are also about politics, and with an election looming, many experts expect Budget 2025 will be about all three.

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Budget Basics: The key terms and numbers you need to know

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If you've not been a close listener to the discussion of the nation's finances, budget speeches can start to sound complicated. With that in mind, here's a breakdown on the basics, and the background to what's expected.

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Ireland's youngest largest town seems as good as place as any to find out what issues are on the minds of young people ahead of the Budget.

The residents of Balbriggan, on the north Co Dublin coast, had an average age of 33.6 years, according to data from the last census.

At 17 and 18, the students who have gathered in a bright, colourful classroom at Bremore Educate Together Secondary School are even younger.

But any preconceptions I may have had about their interest in the Budget prove unfounded.

Housing, the cost of living, public transport, the climate crisis, hospital waiting lists, mental health services and sports facilities are among an array of issues which they bring up.

Vasik Cervenka and Aiobh Reddy are students at Bremore Educate Together Secondary School

"The housing crisis is a big topic but I don't think people really understand the impact it's having on the younger generation. All of us are sitting the Leaving Cert and we're thinking how are we going to afford student accommodation, going to college, and having a house after we finish our degrees," explains Aiobh Reddy, 17.

Aiobh is sitting next to Vasik Cervenka.

Vasik is originally from Slovakia, but he has been living in Ireland for more than 15 years.

He also pinpoints housing as a hot topic, particularly when it connects to immigration.

"People are coming into the country and finding it hard to find accommodation. My family were lucky, but others aren't. Knowing that they don't have a roof over their head, makes me feel very sorry," he says.

Like Vasik, other pupils are keen to highlight issues which directly affect their lives.

Holly Wright cites concerns about the costs of going to college, while Molly Dowdall-Killeen says tackling hospital waiting lists needs to be a priority.

"I honestly feel failed by the public health sector. I have been on waiting lists for orthopaedics and it is incredibly frustrating, just being told you have to wait. It feels like you are not being listened to. There's been a hospital beds crisis since 2006 and that was the year I was born!"

Meanwhile, Natasha Lotsi wants to see more investment in youth mental health services.

"I do feel mental health isn't being talked about enough. There should be more services for everyone, no matter how old you are," she says.

Ryan Brown and Jesse Makris want to see more investment in community sport and leisure facilities

Two other pupils, Jesse Makris and Ryan Browne, say funding for sports facilities should be prioritised.

"Sport is a great way for us to express ourselves and get out the house," explains Ryan. "I think it's great for our mental health to get that break."

"Putting in more facilities into local communities will give people like myself more opportunities to express ourselves. It will massively benefit young people and the future of the country," adds Jesse.

It's not just Ireland's future that's troubling Joe Noonan.

He also wants to see more done to protect the planet.

"We need more development around green energy," he tells me. "There are a lot of first steps being taken, but over the next few years I'd like to see a lot more development of different energy sources and public transport schemes."

Better public transport is also highlighted as an area which would "benefit a lot of people" by Luke Daly-Coady.

Sevastian Zvanbergs even suggests an idea to help achieve that aim.

"I'd like to see the Leap Card system be available across the whole of Ireland, and not just restricted to certain regions. It's not connected as it could be," he says.

Bremore Educate Together Secondary School opened in 2016

830 pupils attend Bremore.

"I think what the pupils have told you today, we see every day," explains principal, Kathy Jones. "They have been impacted by things like the homeless crisis - through no fault of their own. So, it's important that they have a voice about things that will affect them now and in the future. They are very well informed and they really do want to be heard.

"I think the more we listen to young people, the more enriched we become as a society."

As I say my goodbyes to the students, I'm reminded that many of them will have a further opportunity to exercise their views on society's big issues over the coming weeks or months.

Some of the 18-year-olds in the class have registered to vote for the first time.

Saoirse Collins has this advice for anyone looking for their votes.

"I think it's extremely important that we're listened to. We are the future of Ireland," she says.

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Young views on Budget 2025 from Ireland's youngest town

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Ireland's youngest largest town seems as good as place as any to find out what issues are on the minds of young people ahead of the Budget.

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Budget 2025: Tillage sector expects strong govt message - Agriland.ie

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Irish Grain Growers’ Group (IGGG) chairman, Bobby Miller, is expecting a strong government message for tillage farmers in Budget 2025…

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Yes, Budget 2025 will affect your living standards. Here’s how

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It’s one of the biggest political days of the year, and it will have an impact on our pockets

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These are some of the measures that have already been hinted at by senior ministers and may form key parts of the social welfare part of the Budget.

The welfare package for Budget 2025 will be finalised by ministers and senior officials shortly.

New parents

New parents are in line for a Budget bonanza, with several ministers hinting at giveaways and lump-sum cash payments as well as hikes in weekly rates.

Parents who have just had children could see weekly payments increase by at least €20 for maternity, parents and paternity benefits. These currently stand at €274 per week.

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys is pushing for three welfare payments to be increased more than other payments to encourage parents to stay at home with their newborns.

Children's Minister Roderic O'Gorman is pushing for €560 to be paid for parents with newborns. Ms Humphreys is also in favour of the idea.

Once-off double payments

Once-off double payments of social welfare, such as child benefit, are expected to be paid out before Christmas.

This will be alongside the usual Christmas bonus for social welfare recipients and aims to help people on lower incomes with cost of living pressures.

Pensions

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael backbenchers have called for the largest ever weekly pension increases of €20.

At the Fine Gael think-in last week in Offaly, documents prepared by the party's policy office showed costings for weekly hikes of €20, €25 and €35, suggesting the party was pushing at least a €20 hike in budgetary negotiations.

Budgets 2024 and 2023 increased the pension by €12 a week and the Coalition is anxious to put in rises of at least €12 again in this year's Budget.

It is not clear yet if the Government will stretch to €15 or even as high as €20.

Jobseeker's Allowance

Fine Gael and the Greens were on a collision course in Budget negotiations over the jobseeker's allowance.

Ms Humphreys previously hinted there would be no increases to the jobseeker's allowance in Budget 2025, saying there should be a focus on those who cannot work such as those who are disabled, pensioners and carers.

She said she didn't see "a strong policy rationale" for increasing welfare payments for the long-term unemployed.

However, Green Party TD Marc Ó Cathasaigh said at the time that welfare rates must keep up with inflation.

Usually, Jobseeker's Allowance goes up by the same weekly increases as the other social welfare payments such as the pension. It currently stands at €232 per week.

Fuel Allowance

Thousands more pensioners might be in line for fuel allowance payments under proposals from the minister as part of Budget 2025 negotiations.

Speaking at the Fine Gael think-in in Tullamore, Ms Humphreys said she wanted to extend it to people aged over 66. Currently, the payments are made only to people aged over 70.

"Last year I expanded the fuel allowance into the over-70s. That was a very, very welcome measure because the one thing we don't want is old people in their home afraid to turn on the heating," she said.

"This year, I am looking at maybe reducing that age to those over 66, when they retire."

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Which social welfare payments are likely to be raised in Budget 2025 and what does it mean for parents?

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Budget negotiations are coming to a head as the countdown is on within Government for Budget Day on October 1.

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Budget 2025: What we know so far - from tax cuts to pension increases and free schoolbooks

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This year’s measures will be framed around tax and spending package of €8.3bn, with cost-of-living bundle worth roughly €1.5bn

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Colm Ó Mongáin brings you live debate, in-depth interviews and analysis of the political stories of day.

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Budget 2025: Planned USC cut will boost low and middle incomes by hundreds of euro

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Mooted cut brings cost-of-living measures to €1.6bn — but it comes amid a growing rift within the coalition about funding for childcare and for people with disabilities

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‘I’m worried we won’t have a home come Christmas’ – mum facing eviction seeks end to housing insecurity in Budget 2025

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A single parent who fears she and her daughter will be evicted from their rental home before Christmas is calling for urgent housing action in the Budget.

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Budget 2025: Tax cut for income up to €70,000 and added student and rent supports due

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A deal is expected to be struck on the residential zoned land tax which has caused tension between Coalition parties

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Budget 2025: €250 energy credit and double Child Benefit payment agreed to, while USC to be reduced again

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A €250 energy credit and a double Child Benefit payment have been agreed for inclusion in next Tuesday’s Budget.

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Even before the Apple money landed on our collective lap, Budget 2025 promised to be big. The projected €10 billion-plus package of permanent and temporary measures in next Tuesday's budget might be less than the Covid-related and energy-price shock budgets of recent years, but they are not reasonable yardsticks.

The pandemic budgets included the cost of partially nationalising the private sector wage bill - an unprecedented measure taken to stop the economy falling off a cliff during lockdown. The €10 billion spend is better seen in the context of the pre-pandemic budgets, which typically averaged €4 billion.

A major concern is the quiet but very pronounced build-up in current spending, added to year after year by overruns in health - a build-up that can be rationalised, in part, by a bigger economy with a bigger population, and in the case of health by an ageing demographic. Cynics will claim the spend is bigger because we're on the cusp of an election and the Government is trying the curry favour with the electorate with a more generous package.

The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (Ifac) says core spending will increase by 9 per cent this year as opposed to the 5.8 per cent the Government signalled at budget time last year, representing another significant breach of the 5 per cent spending rule, which the Government - just three years ago - deemed as the sustainable rate of expansion. Any potential cracks in the Government's budgetary arithmetic are, however, covered by the super Bazooka of corporation tax, the gift that keeps on giving, which is expected to deliver another record €27 billion to €28 billion this year. If those windfall taxes weren't there, the budget would involve a more painful set of trade-offs.

Either way, next Tuesday's budget will be framed around a package of permanent measures worth €8.3 billion, comprising €6.9 billion in spending and €1.4 billion in taxation measures. There will also - perhaps controversially in the context of the fall-off in inflation - be a €1.5 billion package of temporary, one-off measures to address cost-of-living pressures. Sources say it might be extended to €1.8 billion.

[ Irish Times poll: Cost of living tops public concerns for budget ]

The budgetary parameters, however, tell us little about the likely measures to be announced; who will gain the most; what's in it for middle-income earners; will the rising cost of doing business, which has led to a spate of insolvencies across the hospitality sector, be addressed; or by how much the Government plans to lift the tax-free threshold attached to inheritance tax. Here are six potential hotspot areas in Budget 2025.

Income tax

Perhaps the most watched point in the budgetary cycle. Minister for Finance Jack Chambers says the average worker will benefit to the tune of at least €1,000 from next Tuesday's budget, the bulk of which will come from income tax changes, a three-fold combination of increased income tax credits, further cuts to the Universal Social Charge (USC) and a further lifting of the threshold at which workers pay the higher rate of income tax, long seen as too onerous on middle-income earners.

[ Budget 2025: What we know so far - from tax cuts to pension increases and free schoolbooks ]

In Budget 2024, the threshold was raised from €40,000 to €42,000 for a single person, meaning employees could earn an extra €2,000 before paying tax at the higher 40 per cent rate. The expectation is for another €2,000 lift to €44,000. But this barely inflation-proofs the budget against rising wages. Wages are rising and therefore workers are paying more of their income at the top rate, lifting income tax receipts. The Government is merely recycling this back into the economy at a neutral cost to the exchequer.

"Ireland's economic success has been built on inward investment. In a post Pillar Two world (the second plank of the OECD's global tax reforms), personal tax system and the cost of employment have become increasingly important factors in investment decisions," the Irish Tax Institute told The Irish Times. "It is important that Budget 2025 builds on the progress that has been made in easing the burden on middle-income earners."

The institute noted that 33 per cent of income tax earners - approximately 1.2 million workers - pay neither income tax nor USC and that that gave rise to an unusually narrow tax base which was overly dependent on higher paid workers. It's not obvious the Government is minded to grasp this nettle at such a late stage in the political cycle.

Cost of doing business

If consumers here complain about Ireland's high-price regime, business owners say the cost of doing business is forcing many out of the game. According to new figures from consultancy Deloitte, the number of businesses that became insolvent between July and September rose by nearly two thirds (on the same period last year) to 238.

The overwhelming majority were SMEs in the hospitality sector. The Restaurant Association of Ireland (RAI) says a typical food business with a turnover of €1 million will see its total costs increase by €97,000 this year. The single biggest driver, accounting for €37,000, relates to the increased VAT rate followed by wage inflation (€36,000); increased supplier costs (€13,500). If the minimum wage goes up by an 80 cent-€1 an hour, as flagged, this will push the annual increase in costs to over €100,000, says RAI chief Adrian Cummins.

He says business groups have no truck with the proposed hike in the minimum wage but desperately need a compensating measure like a return to the reduced 9 per cent rate of VAT, which he argues could be applied solely to food-led businesses. Interestingly, the Department of Finance, in its recent tax strategy papers, costed such a move at €545 million a year.

[ Corporate insolvencies set to hit highest level since 2017, Deloitte forecasts ]

For the 7,000 independent food businesses, outside pubs and hotels, in the Republic, many of which are carrying warehoused tax debt and are operating with little or no margin on the back of rising costs, next Tuesday's budget is a "watershed moment", says Cummins. Ibec group Retail Excellence Ireland said any supports the Government introduces must be an adjustment to the core costs of doing business.

Inheritance tax

Ireland's inheritance tax, which falls under the Capital Acquisitions Tax umbrella, is levied at 33 per cent. The €335,000 tax-free threshold that applies to children inheriting from parents (before the 33 per cent rate kicks in) is viewed by many as too little in the context of rising property values. The threshold is expected to be raised to €400,000 in the budget, costed by the Department of Finance at €52 million.

Inheritance tax is a thorny issue. Moves to ease the burden will be decried as a sop to the wealthy. Trinity College Dublin economist Barra Roantree argues that only a small fraction of households exceed the current tax-free threshold (fewer than 10 per cent of inheriting households and fewer than 3 per cent of households overall).

Arguing in favour of lifting the threshold, Minister of State with responsibility for financial services Neale Richmond said in a recent Irish Times article: "For most people this will be their main interaction with any inheritance tax and, as a result, many people are faced with the prospect of selling their family home due to the tax bill."

Cost-of-living supports

Temporary measures to alleviate cost-of-living expenses, the budget within the budget as some call it, will be scaled back to perhaps €1.5 billion next year, down from €2.3 billion in Budget 2024, but not done away with. Social welfare recipients can expect a double payment in October ahead of their usual Christmas bonus to be paid in December. Chambers is also said to be considering a further energy credit of possibly up to €250.

Critics maintain that many of the measures are untargeted and going to households that don't need them. Tom McDonnell of the trade union-backed Nevin Economic Research Institute told the Oireachtas committee on Budgetary Oversight last week that "once-off cost-of-living supports have no obvious rationale in the current economic climate".

[ Yes, Budget 2025 will affect your living standards. Here's how ]

There is speculation that the renters' tax credit will also be raised from €750 to €1,000. But is the latter now aimed at the housing crisis (with Irish rents rising at two-and-a-half times the euro area average since 2019) or the cost-of-living crisis? Budget history tells us that temporary measures have a habit of becoming permanent.

The overheating risk

Ifac and the Central Bank of Ireland both claim the coalition's proposed budgetary spend pushes too much money back into an economy when it is already running at close to capacity. When they say capacity they mean full employment. Adding to demand when the economy can't produce more goods and services merely bids up prices and erodes competitiveness. While headline inflation has fallen to just 1.7 per cent, below the euro area average, Ifac insists this is merely a reflection of international energy prices and that domestic price pressures across a range of areas such as rents, medical services, cafes and restaurants are continuing to rise strongly.

[ Pricing pressures in Irish economy now on par with Celtic Tiger era, fiscal council warns ]

Ifac chairman Seamus Coffe y recently told the Oireachtas Committee on Budgetary Oversight that pricing pressures in the domestic economy were now "similar to what we would have seen in the 2000s", an era that ended in chronic overheating and a banking collapse.

Ifac believes the Government is pursuing an "everything now" approach by simultaneously promising tax cuts, higher day-to-day spending and a continued ramp-up in capital investment and that it needs to prioritise. Chambers will insist he is acting in a prudent manner and trying to add to the productive capacity of the economy with an emphasis on capital rather than current spending.

Apple tax money

Ministers have insisted that the €13 billion arising from the Apple tax case will not change the budgetary arithmetic as it would take a number of months to get a final determination on the actual amount, but it surely provides a degree of comfort in terms of strained budgets in health and other areas.

Soundings from ministers to date suggest the windfall might be diverted town three channels: into paying down the country's large national debt; into the two sovereign wealth funds set up by the Government last year; and into additional capital spending, perhaps on housing.

Many would perhaps like to see the Government do something more visionary or imaginative with the money rather than seeing it vanish into the budgetary ether. Chambers will likely hint at where the money is destined to go in his maiden budget speech on Tuesday.

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Budget 2025 will cost €10bn and make you roughly €1,000 richer. But it's not all sorted yet

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The projected €10 billion plus package of permanent and temporary measures is expected to put up to €1,000 in the pocket of the average worker

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Consumers in ‘watch, wait and worry’ mode ahead of Budget 2025 announcements

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The outlook for household finances is up modestly this month in what has been interpreted as expectations that consumers will likely be better off after Tuesday’s Budget.

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Government expects record surplus as budget looms

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General surplus seen topping €25bn this year, dwarfing previous forecasts

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Government surplus will be around €25bn this year, Finance Minister Jack Chambers confirms as Budget talks intensify

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There will be a general government surplus in the region of €25bn this year, Finance Minister Jack Chambers said.

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Tax on vapes expected to be confirmed on Budget Day, as talks continue into weekend

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Finance Minister Chambers has said he hopes to reveal details of a vape tax in the upcoming Budget, which will be unveiled on Tuesday.

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Cliff Taylor: A tale of two budgets. Billions to spend, but will it win over voters?

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Ireland needs to find a way to navigate between necessary caution on one side and the need to plan and invest for the future on the other

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Fionnán Sheahan, Tabitha Monahan, Donal O’Donovan and Senan Molony

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Inheritance tax threshold to rise in Budget and free schoolbooks scheme will be extended to Leaving Cert students

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The inheritance tax threshold will rise to €400,000, among a number of measures in next week’s Budget aimed at wooing voters.

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As b udget day creeps closer, the dominoes are beginning to fall on the last tax and spending package from this Fine Gael- Fianna Fáil- Green Coalition.

The broad outline has been in place for months: €1.8 billion in new spending, €1.4 billion in tax cuts, and at least €1.5 billion in once-off payments. Expect those numbers to creep up, with a general election on the cards in the coming months - and they will be supplemented with the proceeds of AIB share sales, earmarked for infrastructure spending. And then there are the billions of euro flowing from the €13 billion in back taxes that US tech giant Apple has had to pay the State at the direction of the EU.

All told, the budget can be a bewildering spin zone of numbers, policy and politics. But with an election looming, what can you expect in your pocketbook as the Coalition rolls the dice for a final time?

Your tax bill

Undoubtedly the most eye-catching tax measure is a 1 per cent cut in the universal social charge (USC) for incomes between €25,000 and €75,000, tabled by Fianna Fáil Minister for Finance Jack Chambers. An increase to the entry point for the higher rate of income tax is also expected, of about €2,000. Chambers has suggested an average worker will benefit from the budget to the tune of €1,000 between tax changes and cost-of-living measures. Both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil want to make changes to inheritance tax. An increase in the tax-free threshold that applies to children inheriting from parents from €335,000 to €400,000 is considered likely.

For parents

There will be no further cuts to childcare fees, with Green Party Minister for Children Roderic O'Gorman said to be eyeing an expansion of the core funding scheme to supplement providers as more children flow into the system. The mood music was bad as of Friday, with suggestions he was seeking more for this than the entire department had been offered for new measures. One-off payments are the order of the day for many parents - a double child benefit payment before Christmas looks locked in, while the Greens are pushing for their "baby boost" - a quadruple payment of child benefit for parents of newborns. A €10 boost to the child benefit looked to be receding in probability - but not gone yet.

For school-going children, it will be a major shock if an expansion of the free schoolbooks for senior cycle secondary school students doesn't transpire. Funding for at least 1,500 special needs assistants is being sought by Fianna Fáil Minister for Education Norma Foley. There will be a need for 350 extra special classes next year.

For students

A further cut to the €3,000 registration fee is still in the balance going into the final days of budget negotiations. Fine Gael Minister for Higher Education Patrick O'Donovan is pushing for €500 on top of the €1,000 "once-off" reductions in recent years, which would halve the cost for next year - and for it to be made permanent. He looks to have secured a 15 per cent across-the-board increase in the income thresholds for Susi education grants. There is likely another €150 million in new funding for third-level institutions, spread over five years. A €750 tax break for young people trailed by Fine Gael Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke looks unlikely.

For renters, homebuyers and mortgage holders

Renters will receive a €250 top-up to their €750 tax credit for this year and next, bringing the total to €1,000 a year per renter. Expansion of the Help to Buy scheme looks unlikely, with tweaks allowing renters to access the top payment of €30,000 not favoured - nor were changes to the house price limit of €500,000 for the scheme. But it will be extended for another year to the end of 2026. There will be extra money for Fianna Fáil Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien 's array of home purchase and social and affordable housing schemes, while an extension of the €1,250 mortgage interest relief introduced in the last budget is on the cards. It remains to be seen whether there are higher grants for dereliction on the table, with an increase from the €70,000 grant being sought. Meanwhile, all households are likely to get another electricity credit before Christmas. This time it is set to be €250, down from the three payments totalling €450 last year.

For the health service

Health received a massive €22.5 billion in funding for 2024 but the Government had to top this up to the tune of €1.5 billion after it became evident there would be an overspend. It appears that funding to maintain existing levels of service in the health service for 2025 has been agreed as far back as the summer economic statement in July with funding of almost €1.2 billion being earmarked.

Aside from that, high on the list of budget asks from Fianna Fáil Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly is funding to staff extra beds in the system. Some 300 hospital beds alone could open next year, provided the funding is there to staff them. Expansion of State-funded assisted human reproduction has been floated, though it is uncertain if this will be included. Free prescription contraception to women over the age of 35 has also been under consideration. Extending the scheme to 16-year-olds - which is said to be "legally complex" - is not expected to happen in Tuesday's budget. Talks on health may go down to the wire on Monday.

For business

The campaign for a 9 per cent VAT rate for hospitality remains undimmed, but the smoke signals are not promising, with Government sources saying it would boil down to that tax cut or an income tax package. There may be a halfway house available, but a broad-based scheme for business is also not confirmed. The Greens pitched a rates rebate, but a Fine Gael source was dismissive of this last week. However, increases to the employer's PRSI threshold for lower-paid workers look likely to offset the impact of an anticipated rise in the minimum wage. Burke is also seeking changes to the research and development (R&D) tax credit, a capital gains tax (CGT) cut for entrepreneurs, a cut in alcohol duty to help hospitality and a VAT cut for broadband bills.

For farmers

Fianna Fáil Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue is understood to be pushing for improved schemes to support a wide variety of farmers including those with sheep, beef and dairy/beef farms. He wants to see supports for sheep farmers increase by €5 to €25 per ewe and funding is also set to be secured for the €100-per hectare support for tillage farmers who planted in 2024. Talks also focused on ensuring funding for existing agriculture schemes such as the Acres payment to support environmentally friendly farm practices, which saw 55,000 farmers sign up - 10 per cent more than originally envisaged.

For public transport users and drivers

The 20 per cent cut to the cost of public transport is set to be extended for another year. The Green Party has proposed extending free public transport to children under the age of nine (currently it only covers the under-fives) both to save families' money and reduce emissions by encouraging the use of public transport. Again, at a cost of €8 million it is not massive money should the proposal end up in the budget.

James Lawless, the Fianna Fáil Minister of State at the Department of Transport, has been pushing for a funding shortfall of some €40 million for road improvements to be addressed as part of budget talks.

Welfare, carers and disability

Social Protection is another Department where negotiations are set to continue over the weekend. Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys (Fine Gael) has said she would like to see welfare increases targeted at those who need them most: pensioners, carers and the disabled. Proposals for €15 increases to the State pension, carer's allowance and disability payments, with perhaps a lower increase for jobseeker's payments have been mooted. However, there has been resistance to this from some in Fianna Fáil and the Green Party. At this point it appears that across-the-board welfare increases, perhaps matching the €12 per week announced last year, are more likely. Humphreys has suggested she wants to extend fuel allowance to those over the age of 66. At present, it is available to those aged over 70. Sources said on Friday that nothing has been agreed in relation to the Social Protection budget as yet.

Disability spending was a major sticking point heading into the final weekend, with Minister of State Anne Rabbitte (Fianna Fáil) seeking a whopping €230 million in new measures. That has already been slashed to a €130 million request, but it is many miles from the department-wide offer said to be about €60 million.

For media and the arts

Next to nothing has so far emerged from the talks between the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin (Greens) and Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael), the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

It is known that the budget will include €42 million in exchequer funding for cash-strapped and controversy-hit RTÉ along with an expected €78 million worth of free TV licences to groups such as pensioners. Martin confirmed on Wednesday she is not seeking any additional money for RTÉ.

Despite an ambition to expand the basic income for the arts scheme, Martin says the outcome of the pilot scheme is awaited so it will be kicked out for the next government to handle.

For policing, justice and defence

It has been remarkably quiet in this area when it comes to pre-budget jockeying: expect further allocations for more Garda recruitment and equipment to be sought, and keep an eye on whether the green light is given to fee restoration for criminal barristers - an issue on which there have been regular protests.

For the Defence Forces, a lot of investment has already been allocated under the approved modernisation plan, and there will be an extension of the seagoing Naval personnel tax credit for another five years in the budget. There will be funding for hundreds more personnel, cash for external expertise, and capital funding for new radar and subsea capabilities, with a "record allocation" promised overseas development in the Department of Foreign Affairs.

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Budget 2025: Tax cut, mortgage interest relief and other measures in Coalition's final roll of the dice

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USC, inheritance tax, childcare, child benefit, social welfare, college fees, VAT rate: How the budget will affect parents, students, renters, mortgage holders, farmers, pensioners and carers

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Budget 2025: Inheritance tax threshold to hit €400,000 under giveaway

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Households to benefit from extension to reduced 9% VAT rate on energy bills into next year

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A record €25bn surplus will give the Government freedom to deliver a bumper budget of USC cuts, pension increases, cost-of-living payments, and investment in public services.

Talks are set to continue long into the weekend, with government leaders and line ministers to finalise the overall shape of the budget.

The Department of Finance has given a new update on the nation's finances ahead of Tuesday's budget, with the €14bn Apple tax windfall added to a record surplus.

Finance Minister Jack Chambers revealed that approximately €8bn of the €14.1bn Apple taxes will be received by the exchequer in 2024, with the remainder due in 2025.

He said he is working with Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe on a proposal for party leaders relating to a "wider strategic direction" for the Apple tax, rather than specific spending decisions.

Asked about corporation tax levels, Mr Chambers said receipts are 28% ahead of last year which is "far in excess" of projections.

Overall corporation tax receipts are expected to be €30bn this year. Mr Chambers said:

Mr Chambers told reporters he did not expect the Budget's cost-of-living package to be of the same scale as last year, given that inflation is just over 1%.

However, he acknowledged there was still an impact of high prices from underlying inflation.

The expected giveaway budget on Tuesday comes ahead of what many expect to be a winter general election, with a polling day potentially falling in November.

A number of changes on tax are due to be made, with a reduction of 1% in the universal social charge on incomes between €25k to €70k. This will reduce the USC from 4% to 3%.

The standard rate cut-off point for income tax is set to be raised by €2,000, meaning that taxpayers will not pay the higher rate on earnings less than €44,000.

On the cost of living, households are in line for a €250 energy credit which will be paid out before the end of the year.

Other changes on the cards are a further extension of the 20% cut in public transport fares, as well as further funding to provide new public transport routes.

Parents are also likely to get a boost as Leaving Cert students look set to be included in the free school books scheme.

On welfare rates, Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys is pushing for a €15 increase, but it is expected that a final rate could be between €10 and €12 on key rates like the State pension.

Renters will see a hike in the rent tax credit, which will rise from €750 to €1,000, while mortgage holders will be able to avail of mortgage interest relief for a further year.

More funding for services

It is understood that significant investment is to be allocated to tackling domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence, increasing prison spaces, and speeding up the processing of international protection applicants.

Funds to recruit between 800 and 1,000 Gardaí are also set to be provided.

The Government has agreed a deal, meanwhile, to press ahead with residential zoned land tax to come into effect this February.

The tax has been planned for several years to target land hoarding by developers and other individuals during the housing crisis.

However, last month Mr Chambers said it may need to be deferred due to a potential unintended impact on "active" farmers.

Government sources confirmed that the deal had now been reached after the Green Party pushed back on plans to delay the tax.

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Record €25bn budget surplus will fund pension hike, USC cut, and cost-of-living package

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Budget 2025: Finance Minister Jack Chambers said €8bn of the €14.1bn Apple tax windfall will be received by the exchequer in 2024, with the remainder due in 2025

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Government confirms surplus of €25bn ahead of budget

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The Government's White Papers of spending and receipts confirms the Government will have a surplus of €25bn for this year.

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The tax-free threshold that applies to children's inheritance from their parents is set to increase to €400,000 as part of an expected pre-election giveaway budget next week.

Funding is to be provided for the delivery of thousands of social and affordable homes with the Government expected to spend almost half the proceeds from the sale of AIB shares in a €1.25 billion boost to the resources of the Land Development Agency (LDA).

The decision comes ahead of an election where housing will be a key battleground, with the Government hoping to copperfasten support from voters in advance of polling day.

In a further sign that the Government is stalling any pain for the electorate, households are to benefit from an extension to the reduced 9 per cent VAT rate on energy bills into next year.

Minister for Finance Jack Chambers is planning to extend the VAT cut for gas and electricity bills - which was due to expire next month - until the end of April in what is being considered a key cost-of-living measure ahead of winter.

Fine Gael has been pushing for changes to capital acquisitions tax and it is understood the tax-free threshold in the Group A category for children getting an inheritance from their parent will increase from €335,000 to €400,000.

It comes as new figures show the State is set to record an unprecedented €25 billion surplus this year as a result of the Apple tax money, a scale which dwarfs previous expectations.

While much of the surplus will be sequestered for future investment and not available for day-to-day spending, it frames a budget which is expected to deliver a full percentage point cut in USC, as well as income tax cuts, welfare increases and a range of one-off payments for households.

[ Budget 2025 will cost €10bn and make you roughly €1,000 richer. But it's not all sorted yet ]

The Coalition will announce its high-level intentions for the Apple tax windfall on budget day, with infrastructure projects set to benefit. The remainder of the €3 billion from AIB share sales is likely to be allocated to water- and electricity-network spending.

On Friday evening it emerged a deal has been struck to resolve a key pre-budget row between the three Coalition partners over land-hoarding tax.

The issue blew up over the summer amid a Fianna Fáil proposal to delay the introduction of Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) due to fears over its impact on farmers.

This led to a Green Party backlash which in turn triggered weeks of talks to resolve the issue.

It is understood an agreement has been struck whereby the tax will go ahead as planned next February but farmers who are farming land will be exempted from it along with some small industrial holdings and businesses.

Elsewhere, it is understood Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has secured new investment targeted at tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, expanding prison capacity, and speeding up the processing of international protection cases. There is expected to be funding to recruit between 800 and 1,000 gardaí.

Separately, further talks are expected over the weekend to try and bridge a gulf between what is being offered for new measures in the Department of Children and what Ministers are seeking.

There were tensions over the matter on Friday, with amounts sought for new schemes in disabilities being many multiples of what is on offer, while sources said the allocations being sought for the National Childcare Scheme also exceeded what had been made available.

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Budget 2025: Inheritance tax threshold to hit €400,000 under giveaway

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Households to benefit from extension to reduced 9% VAT rate on energy bills into next year

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‘The money goes straight from my account into childcare bills’ – working parents want more help in Budget

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A family paying €600 a month on childcare and over €1,000 a month on groceries say they hope the cost-of-living supports promised in next week’s Budget live up to expectations.

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Energy credits in Budget to be largely wiped out by hikes to electricity levy

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A large chunk of the energy credits expected to be paid to householders in the Budget will be wiped out by two levies being imposed on electricity bills.

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‘Some days we don’t know how to keep going’: Kerry mother’s wish list for Budget 2025

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Pamela Dennehy’s wants an end to means-testing of the carers’ allowance; funding for more SNAs; and an allowance for electricity and other extra costs the family incurs

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With a forecasted tax revenue of €105bn for 2024, just how much of that will be spent in next week’s Budget

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There were handwritten notes and figures scrawled all over the three typed sheets of paper that Finance Minister Jack Chambers brought to a press conference yesterday, where he set out exactly how much the Government expects to receive in tax this year.

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Budget 2025: Call for more funding for mental health and addiction services in Cork city

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Calls have been made for more funding for mental health and addiction services in Budget 2025. Donal O’Keeffe speaks to those involved in the sectors…

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A record surplus and an imminent general election will result in a giveaway budget, but Ireland needs investment in its future

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It is one of the most hotly anticipated budgets in recent memory.

And while money is on the menu, for once it is not just financial reasons that are focusing minds.

This Tuesday, the Coalition will publish the fifth and final budget of its lifespan, marking what some argue could be considered the "full term" of its time in office.

Once the budget details are out of the way, the Dáil and Seanad must pass a finance bill enacting the economic promises - a task expected to be completed on, or before, Thursday, 10 October by which time the speculation about the timing of the looming general election will have reached fever pitch.

Government and opposition parties will be hoping their differing budget positions pay out big in the casino of a general election, which depending on which Leinster House rumour you currently believe could be called as soon as next Friday or as late as February or March.

Budget 2025 will be delivered by the Minister of Finance Jack Chambers on Tuesday

Unlike the relative lack of drama in recent budgets compared to the "if I have it I'll spend it" Charlie McCreevy Celtic Tiger era, Tuesday's budget has more riding on it than in recent years, both for politicians and the wider public.

Eye-catching tax promises, long-stated political promises, childcare supports, housing help and increases to core social welfare rates will all be in the spotlight on Tuesday - each issue hugely significant for the coming election.

Budget 2025 is solely in the gift of the Government, but opposition parties have presented their own alternatives, and intense debate on whose plans are best lies ahead from Tuesday.

There are a number of key areas.
Universal Social Charge
It has been something of a linguistic joke over the past 14 years that the Universal Social Charge is still in place.

First introduced by the late Fianna Fáil finance minister Brian Lenihan in Budget 2011 as a "temporary" measure, the USC is now part of the tax and political furniture in Ireland -although it is technically still temporary and could be completely removed at some point in the future.

That time is not quite upon us yet.

Right now, the Government and Opposition parties are variously promising to remove the USC for some people and reduce it for others as part of their Budget 2025 and alternative budget documents.

A rumoured 1% reduction to USC would be the largest cut introduced by this Government

The Coalition parties of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Greens have indicated that the USC will be reduced from 4% to 3% on incomes between €25,760 and €70,044, following on from a 0.5% reduction in last year's budget by former finance minister and now EU commissioner Michael McGrath.

A 1% reduction to USC would be the largest cut introduced by this Government since it came to office in 2020, a fact likely to be stitched into plenty of media engagements by Coalition ministers over the next few days.

However, at least according to opposition parties, it is not enough, where other equally eye-catching offers are being made to voters.

Sinn Féin in particular has placed the USC firmly in its political cross hairs, with Party Leader Mary Lou McDonald and Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty both saying it is the key tax promise during the party's alternative budget launch on Thursday.

Under Sinn Féin's proposals, the party would abolish the USC rate on incomes up to €45,000, including removing it for incomes up to €30,000 in its first year in office if it enters government and increasing that figure to €45,000 in its second year.

Sinn Féin has proposed abolishing the USC rate on incomes up to €45,000

The party says the alternative budget promise is designed to ensure the "average worker" does not continue to pay the USC, while still protecting the tax base.

And its view is shared to a degree by People Before Profit-Solidarity, which wants to abolish USC for all incomes under €100,000 - a tax gap it says would be partly balanced out by a long-standing "millionaire's tax" on, well, millionaires.

The Social Democrats has not called for a reduction in USC as part of its alternative budget plans, instead saying the focus should be on medium to long-term public service infrastructure improvements and prioritising shorter-term funding for people in need, while Labour intends to index all tax rates including USC at 4.5%.
Social welfare rates and one-off payments
Social welfare rates are traditionally one of the first areas people and politicians look to when budgets are announced, and this year will be no different.

It is widely expected that Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys will see in the region of a €12-to-€15 increase for people in receipt of weekly payments, with raises likely to focus on pensioners, carers and people with disabilities.

Coupled with that, more "once-off" payments have also been widely flagged, with energy credits in the region of €250, rent tax credits and an increase in childcare supports likely as part of a cost-of-living package that, while not on the same scale as recent years, is still promised to be significant.

There is a growing expectation that at least some once off payments will be paid out this October

And there is a growing expectation that at least some of these changes will be "front-loaded" and paid out this October, rather than in the new year, raising further suspicions of an autumn election.

Social Democrats has called for the weekly pension and jobseekers' allowance to increase by €25 and for a €360 energy credit, while Labour is seeking across-the-board €20 social welfare rises, two energy credits of €150 each, and a €250 once-off fuel allowance payment.

Sinn Féin, meanwhile, wants to introduce a €2.3bn cost-of-living package which would include a €20 increase in core social welfare payments, €450 in energy credits and a €300 fuel allowance.

The issue of across-the-board once-off energy credits remains the subject of some public discussion, with an ongoing debate over whether parties should be promising universal support or focusing what money is available on those who need it most.

That discussion is likely to be well-aired this coming week.

Just don't expect any politicians to decide the lead up to a general election is the moment for a major philosophical or moral u-turn on a key financial support for voters.
Children and families
Another key area to watch out for is childcare, with the Government likely to put forward a €1.2bn series of supports in Budget 2025.

At least that is according to Green Party Leader and Minister for Children Roderic O'Gorman, who told reporters at his party's recent pre-Dáil think-in that the funding is a key priority for the Greens - a claim Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil may privately dispute, saying they too want to help hard-pressed parents and families.

Government is likely to put forward a €1.2bn series of supports for childcare in Budget 2025.

The Government is also considering a repeat of a double child benefit payment paid out before Christmas, and a once-off €560 child benefit payment for parents immediately after a birth.

On the other side of the Dáil chamber, Sinn Féin is calling for a €560 per child payment in the form of child benefit before Christmas, as well as a €10 increase to help address child poverty, while Labour - whose finance spokesperson Ged Nash said the Government "is not ashamed enough about child poverty" - wants to fund 6,000 more public childcare places and a full year of paid parental leave.

The Social Democrats meanwhile have called for free GP visits for children under 12 and an increase to €350 a week for payments to new and adoptive parents, while People Before Profit-Solidarity is seeking a €205 child benefit increase.
Housing
What new policies the Government puts forward to address the housing, renting and homelessness crises facing the country will inevitably be at the forefront of any Budget 2025 debate in the coming days.

And given the record 14,486 people who are officially homeless, a surge in house prices now exceeding the Celtic Tiger era, and a similar rise in rents, what is announced on Tuesday will also play a key role in the election campaign that follows.

14,486 people are in emergency accommodation according to data from the Department of Housing

While the usual caveat applies that no details are confirmed until Minister for Finance Jack Chambers and Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe's Dáil Budget Day speeches on Tuesday, the Government has already been clear on its housing policy budget intentions.

The Coalition is expected to increase the current €750 rent tax credit to €1,000 next year, in addition to a potential €250 "top up" payment for this year.

The Help to Buy Scheme which currently allows first time buyers purchasing a new build home under €500,000 a €30,000 tax refund subject to certain conditions, is also likely to be extended, while the odds are that the Government will also announce fresh supports for mortgage holders through the extension of Budget 2024's €1,250 mortgage interest relief.

The Coalition is expected to increase the current €750 rent tax credit to €1,000 next year

Opposition parties will also be targeting housing, with Sinn Féin saying it wants to give renters a month's rent tax credit, ban rent increases for three years and abolish the property tax with an initial 20% cut.

Labour meanwhile wants to increase the rent tax credit to €1,500 and spend €70m more on turning derelict buildings into homes.

The Social Democrats wants to double the budget for homeless prevention and increase the vacant homes tax from 0.5% to 10%, and People Before Profit-Solidarity wants to increase the rent tax credit to €3,000 and introduce what it describes as a "use it or lose it" tax on vacant or derelict buildings.

Given the importance of housing in Ireland right now, expect a big focus from the wider public on the calls, and inevitably, a big row between the Government and opposition parties when the Budget 2025 details are announced.
Residential Zoned Land Tax
On this one it has not been all plain sailing within the Coalition in recent weeks while the public dog fight to appeal to each Coalition party's voter base has seemingly been resolved this weekend.

As has been well-aired in recent weeks, in 2021 the Coalition agreed to introduce a 3% tax based on the market value of unused residential zoned land, in an attempt to address concerns over land hoarding during a housing crisis and surging land prices period.

Micheál Martin had said discussions on the tax were continuing

Over the summer, the policy sparked a high-profile Coalition row when Minister for Finance Jack Chambers said it may need to be delayed due to a potential unintended impact on "active" farmers - a delay the Green Party insisted must not happen, comparing the potential situation to withholding food during the famine.

As recently as the Dáil leaders' questions debate on Thursday, Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin had said discussions were continuing to find a breakthrough.

And, hold your breath, that solution has now been found, with Green Party TD Steven Matthews confirming to RTÉ News on Friday night that a "mechanism" has been agreed by the Coalition partners to allow the tax to be introduced in February.

The question now is who will get the credit with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael keen to woo the farming sector vote and the Greens equally keen to frame the deal as the party standing up for people in need of housing and homes - angles that could be key to the post-budget jockeying for positioning.
Election countdown
It should never be lost on people, of course, that a budget is first and foremost about how the policies introduced on Tuesday impact on the money in your pocket.

But when those financial decisions are being revealed just months, weeks or maybe even days from a general election being called, they take on an even wider significance than might usually be the case.

When the full, final details of Budget 2025 are published on Tuesday, these dual priorities will be firmly in the spotlight, with no one being under any illusions about how important the financial decisions are to both people and parties' futures.

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What are the key areas of debate ahead of Budget 2025?

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It is one of the most hotly anticipated budgets in recent memory. And while money is on the menu, for once it is not just financial reasons that are focusing minds. So just what are some of the key areas expected to cause debate between Government and the Opposition parties in the week ahead?

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We have already heard indications from ministers about what will be contained in the last budget before the next general election.

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Consumers, businesses, and drivers are being hit hard and this Government strategy is hurting the economy while not helping the environment.

In Ireland, the liquid fuels industry is crucial to the nation's energy supply, providing over 50% of the country's energy needs, which encompasses not only transport and heating, but also industrial processes, aviation, and maritime activities.

Transport fuel prices in Ireland have been rising steadily with taxes making up the majority of the price increase. Since this Government assumed office, it has implemented a tax increase of 20c per litre on both petrol and diesel.

This tax hike adds €12 in cost for every full tank of fuel, placing a significant financial burden on drivers. We are told these taxes are intended to discourage fossil fuel consumption and promote a shift toward renewable energy sources. However, as seen since the war in Ukraine when oil prices spiked, fuel consumption doesn't decrease when prices increase.

Electric cars remain financially out of reach for many, and the infrastructure to support them, particularly in rural areas, is insufficient. As a result, many groups are effectively being penalised for continuing to rely on fossil fuels, without viable alternatives.

High fuel costs are also driving up the price of goods and services, and businesses are left with little choice but to pass these costs on to consumers.

Consumers, particularly those in rural areas, are also feeling the pinch. With limited access to public transport and a reliance on personal vehicles, rising fuel costs are hitting hard. For these communities, the idea of shifting to greener energy options remains more theoretical than practical.

The Government's current approach to fuel taxation is, in essence, a stealth tax on mobility - punishing those who can least afford to adapt.

As Ireland works toward its climate goals, it's clear that the current reliance on fuel taxation as a means of driving change is flawed.

We need a more balanced approach that recognises both the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy as well as the economic challenges being faced.

The first step toward a more balanced policy is the creation of an expert group on energy taxation.

It should focus on how to support the energy transition without placing an undue burden on businesses and vulnerable consumers.

This expert group would also explore how fiscal measures can support reducing carbon emissions.

A dedicated minister of state for energy is also essential for developing and implementing a cohesive energy policy. Centralising responsibility for energy management would ensure a strategic approach to energy security and infrastructure development.

The Government must adopt a more open-minded approach to technologies that can decarbonize the fuel sector in the short and medium term. Advanced and synthetic biofuels, such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), offer an immediate way to reduce emissions using existing vehicles.

Advanced biofuels can, and should, be produced in Ireland. This would not only help meet the country's climate targets but also stimulate rural economies by creating jobs.

While the government's attention is primarily focused on heat pumps as a solution for reducing heating emissions, Fuels for Ireland is championing the consideration of additional measures, particularly advanced, synthetic, and biofuels.

Ireland's current fuel taxation strategy is economically and socially unsustainable. It disproportionately impacts small businesses, border regions, and consumers who have little choice but to rely on fossil fuels. The Government's reliance on ever-increasing fuel taxes as a means of reducing emissions is not only ineffective, but also unjust.

A more balanced fiscal approach to the fuel sector is urgently needed.

Kevin McPartlan is the chief executive of Fuels for Ireland

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Kevin McPartlan: Reliance on fuel taxation to drive change in Ireland is 'flawed'

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The carbon tax hike due to kick in next Wednesday is the latest in a long line of price rises with taxes making up the majority of the hikes

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Rising cost of living still ‘primary concern’ for people heading into Budget 2025

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‘While overall inflation is decreasing, core inflation remains somewhat elevated, reflecting broader cost pressures in areas like housing and services’

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Taoiseach Simon Harris has indicated that the cost-of-living package in the Budget will be larger than expected.

Mr Harris said the package which will be paid before Christmas must meet the challenges people are facing.

He said: "People are sitting on the couch watching this news bulletin tonight, and they're saying, hang on. I get up. I work really hard. I've done my best. I play by the rules, and I'm still struggling to make ends meet because of cost of living.

"We have to help those people in the here and now, and I want to really focus tonight with colleagues in government on how we can make sure that cost-of-living package is of sufficient scale to meet the challenges that people feel," he said.

The Taoiseach said it would take "a good few weeks" for the Finance Bill and the Social Welfare to pass after the Budget is announced.

"And indeed, there may be legislation required for other elements of the Budget as well, potentially around the whole area of energy and the electricity credits and the likes." he added.

Minister for Finance Jack Chambers has said there will be a "substantial package to help people through the winter period" which will be discussed in Government Budget negotiations today.

He added he would be meeting with the three coalition party leaders later today along with Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe.

He said there would be a "substantial income tax package for workers" to respond to the "cost of living challenges that so many people face".

He added there would be a focus on the Universal Social Charge, the standard rate of tax and tax credits.

Meanwhile, Government parties are at odds over plans to increase key social protection payments.

The Minister for Social Protection is openly reluctant to increase payments to job seekers to the same extent as other groups.

Speaking on RTÉ's This Week programme, Heather Humphreys said that her priority is to provide greater support for carers, pensioners, people with disabilities and working families.

She asked why at a time of of full employment why would you give the same increase to job seekers?

The minister warned that if the increase is given to job seekers, then there will be less money to go around because her resources are limited.

However, Green Junior Minister Malcolm Noonan said his party believes the payment to job seekers must be increased to the same level as other groups.

Speaking on RTÉ's The Week in Politics, he said the payment is important to families and often there are children involved.

He played down any Government budget rows, saying that it was part of the normal process.

Mr Noonan said it was important to have a prudent and progressive budget and the Greens will fight its corner.

Asked about the differing views in Government on increases to Job Seekers' Allowance the Taoiseach said instinctively he shared Ms Humphrey's view on the matter.

"When the economy is at full employment, I do share her view in relation to this. But I also am aware that for the last four years, the Government did increase both social welfare rates by a standard rate," he said.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said that her party wanted child benefit to be a universal payment and much more needed to be done for children living in poverty.

Speaking on the same programme, she said that her party would take an alternative and more holistic route on this, in a "very grassroots way" making big investments in communities, youthwork and community development.

"The communities in which these children live in and grow up have to be supported also," she said.

Ms McDonald said that the poorest of children are very reliant on youth clubs and youth workers and the community infrastructure is absolutely critical to their quality of life and development.

Aontú Leader Peadar Toibin criticised one off payments in the budget saying they are gone like snow off a ditch in the spring.

He said that "rip off Ireland" must be tackled given that this country has the highest electricity costs.
What are the key areas being debated ahead of Budget 2025?

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Taoiseach Simon Harris has indicated that the cost-of-living package in the Budget will be larger than expected.

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A bumper package nearing €2 billion aimed at helping households with the increased cost of living is being finalised by the Government as it prepares a giveaway budget in advance of a general election.

Taoiseach Simon Harris on Sunday signalled that the package of once-off measures, to be announced on Tuesday, would likely be hundreds of millions higher than the previously expected €1.5 billion.

This will mean that the once-off payments in the budget to households, most of which will be paid before the end of the year, will be greater than expected, with two double child benefit payments potentially being distributed before Christmas.

The Government is also close to agreeing an extension of the Help-to-Buy scheme until 2029, meaning it would run for three years longer than expected, after a proposal was tabled by Minister of Finance Jack Chambers.

An extra 5 per cent would be charged in stamp duty on the purchase of 10 or more houses by so-called "vulture funds" under a separate proposal from Mr Chambers.

A senior source said the overall cost-of-living package in Budget 2025 would be "a lot closer" to €2 billion than €1.5 billion.

Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys is seeking to provide two double child benefit payments before Christmas alongside universal electricity credits to the value of €250. This could potentially be given in two €125 payments.

Extra payments under the living alone allowance and lump sums to those with long-term disabilities are also expected, while a Green Party proposal for free public transport for children under nine has been agreed and will kick in next summer.

The core rate of child benefit looks likely to stay at €140, despite suggestions it could increase by €10. A lower rate of welfare increase for jobseekers is now seen as unlikely.

A cut to VAT for the hospitality sector remains a remote possibility and a support package for businesses worth up to €120 million is being considered. This would be accessible to firms this year and is likely to be administered as a flat energy support payment.

There will be a 24 per cent increase in funding for childcare, although fees will not come down for parents, with extra allocations from the €1.34 billion agreed given to account for the growing number of children in the system and to provide more income for creches that have been subject to a fee freeze. The Department of Children received a total of €120 million in funding for new measures, twice what was originally offered.

Free schoolbooks will be extended to the Leaving Cert cycle and there will be money for special pouches for phones to help post-primary schools enforce a ban on the devices.

Funding has been agreed for more than 1,500 additional special needs assistants and 350 more special classes. Fees for the Junior Cert and Leaving Cert will again be waived and reduced charges for school transport are to be maintained for another year. A so-called "baby boost" sought by the Green Party, a quadruple child benefit payment after an infant is born, is still under consideration.

The minimum wage is expected to increase by 80 cent, while agreement was reached to increase criminal legal aid fees by 8 per cent from January. There will be €70 million in funding for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence initiatives.

The Coalition intends to add 1,100 additional prison spaces over the next five years, with plans being developed for new jails at the Curragh and Thornton Hall.

Allocations will be signalled for the combined €17 billion in Apple tax windfall and AIB share proceeds, with the Land Development Agency, Irish Water and EirGrid in line to benefit, while the Greens were seeking €5 billion for investment in public transport alongside a similar sum for housing.

The universal social charge is to be cut and the entry point for the higher rate of income tax will go up by €2,000, which should give households back several hundred euro a year. Inheritance tax thresholds will go up across the board and there will be extra tax credits for renters.

Mortgage interest relief is to be extended and the reduced VAT rate on electricity and gas bills will be extended until April. Student fees will again be reduced by at least €1,000, potentially up to €1,500, and income bands for student grants will widen, making more households eligible.

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Budget 2025: Cost-of-living package set to near €2bn with two double child benefit payments

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Extension of the Help to Buy scheme to 2029, and extra tax on vulture funds expected

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Budget 2025: Pensioners and carers set to be big winners as negotiations continue

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Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys has indicated that the two groups, along with people with disabilities, can expect a boost in social welfare rates.

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www.rte.ie needs to review the security of your connection before proceeding.

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www.rte.ie needs to review the security of your connection before proceeding.

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Single mother of twins and full-time carer says Budget should be about ‘equity’ for most vulnerable

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A single mother of 11-year-old twins says Budget 2025 should be about “equity” and providing support for the most vulnerable people in society.

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ieExplains: Here’s what to expect from Budget 2025

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This year the Government has a €8.3bn package to work with, which will be split between €6.9bn of public spending and €1.4bn on tax cuts and changes

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Philip Ryan, Senan Molony, Gabija Gataveckaite and Tabitha Monahan

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Two €125 energy credits to be deducted from electricity bills this year; cigarettes look set to rise by €1 in latest Budget 2025 moves

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Two energy credits of €125 each will be taken off electricity bills later this year as part of the Government’s cost of living package in the Budget.

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Budget 2025: Parents of newborns to receive triple child benefit payment

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Pension payments to increase by €12 per week while Arts Council to be allocated €140m in funding

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Budget 2025: Parents of newborns to receive triple child benefit payment https://t.co/PoFp1RiOKD
— The Irish Times (@IrishTimes) September 30, 2024

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Ten key decisions for business that Jack Chambers has to make in Budget 2025

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While all the focus is on giveaways – from tax packages to once-off payments – there are many important business decisions that Finance Minister Jack Chambers and Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe have to make in tomorrow’s Budget.

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Paul Hosford, Elaine Loughlin, Tadgh McNally, Michelle McGlynn

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Families, pensioners, carers, and workers to benefit in pre-election budget splurge

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Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys has secured the largest additional social protection spending in the history of the State at €2.7bn

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Will you end up with more in your pocket after Budget 2025?

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Budget 2025: State’s massive surplus and the looming general election make giveaway measures - and politics - a key part of the budget

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Baby boost of €420 on way as Government bids to maximise popularity before election

The Government is to introduce tax cuts, welfare hikes and a series of one-off payments as they seek to win over voters ahead of a general election.

Along with a €12 increase in the state pension, the over-70s are to benefit from a new "bring a friend" expansion of the free travel scheme, under plans to be announced by Heather Humphreys.

Thousands of parents are set for a significant gain thanks to new cost-of-living measures to be rolled out.

Parents of newborns will receive a special one-off baby boost of €420, while ministers have also agreed a €15 weekly increase in maternity, paternity and parents' benefit.

The weekly rates paid through the two schemes along with the parents' benefit will all increase to €289.

Other key measures due to be confirmed today include:

:: Two double payments of Child Benefit in November and December;

:: A double payment of all welfare rates in October and December;

:: A €400 lump sum for those in receipt of the working family payment;

:: Other weekly social welfare payments such as the state pension, Carer's Allowance, disability payments and Jobseeker's Allowance will rise by €12.

However, under the new scheme, anyone over 70 can bring a partner, loved one or friend on public transport

The Green Party had been pushing for a baby-boost payment of €560 but have settled on €420 in Budget negotiations.

The new payment will kick in from January 1 on a permanent basis.

"The Green Party has always said that parents should be able to focus on welcoming their newborns into the world without having to worry about the costs of having a child, such as a new buggy, cot, car seat, clothes, mattresses, sterilisers, nappies and much, much more," a Green Party source said.

"No one should have to go into debt when having a baby, so this increased Child Benefit payment will be a significant help to people."

People aged over 70 will be able to bring a family member or friend on public transport free of charge under a new scheme to be unveiled today.

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys secured budget funding for what will be called the Universal Companion Pass.

At present, over-70s can apply for a companion pass once they pass a medical assessment proving they need assistance when they are travelling.

However, under the new scheme, anyone over 70 can bring a partner, loved one or friend on public transport free of charge without the need for a medical assessment.

The budget plan is aimed at supporting older people who need assistance while travelling and also seeks to address the issue of isolation and loneliness among older people.

The Fuel Allowance will be extended to over-66s

"This is all about encouraging our older citizens to bring their son or daughter, or even a friend or neighbour, on the bus or train for the likes of shopping, a match or medical appointment," a source said.

Also included in the welfare package is: a €500 bonus payment of the Disability Support Grant; a €400 bonus payment of the Carer's Support Grant; €200 Living Alone Allowance bonus payment; and a €100 Child Support Grant (formerly qualified child) bonus payment.

The Fuel Allowance will be extended to over-66s and there will also be a €300 lump-sum payment for recipients of the benefit as part of the Budget's €2bn cost-of-living package.

Meanwhile, a packet of 20 cigarettes looks set to increase again on health grounds, but there will be no added excise to motor fuels or alcohol.

The increase on a packet of cigarettes could be €1 per pack - double the 50 cent imposed last year, with pro-rata increases on other tobacco products, sources said.

Two energy credits worth €125 each will also be deducted from electricity bills later this year.

The point at which people pay the higher rate of tax of 40pc is expected to increase from €42,000 to €44,000.

Workers will be around €1,000 better off per year after USC is cut from 4pc to 3pc on incomes from €25,000 to €70,000. Along with income tax cuts, workers are expected to benefit from €100 increases in tax credits.

The single-person tax credit is expected to increase by €100 to €1,975. The married persons' or civil partners' rate then becomes €3,850.

The employee tax credit and the earned income tax credit are expected to go up by the same amount, to €1,975.

Free hormone replacement therapy (HRT) will also be rolled out for women following extensive campaigning

Stamp duty on the bulk-buying of homes will be hiked to 15pc in a bid to halt vulture funds squeezing out first-time buyers. Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien last night was also pushing to extend the Help-to-Buy scheme to the end of the decade to give certainty to developers and buyers.

Meanwhile, the Budget package for carers will include a major increase in the Carer's Allowance income threshold to €625 per week for a single person and €1,250 per week for a couple. There will also be a €400 lump-sum payment for carers. The Carer's Support Grant will also be increased to €2,000 and there will be a €20 increase in the Domiciliary Care Allowance.

Free hormone replacement therapy (HRT) will also be rolled out for women following extensive campaigning. The measure could save women who are prescribed HRT between €360 and €840 a year, based on women paying between €30 and €70 per month.

The prescription-based medicine is used by some women to relieve symptoms of menopause.

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Parents, pensioners and workers all in line for big boosts in giveaway Budget

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New parents, workers and pensioners will be targeted on a Budget day giveaway that will surpass anything seen during the Celtic Tiger.

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Budget 2025: Many families to gain by thousands of euro as 10 one-off payments planned

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Extra billions set to be invested in water, housing and energy from the proceeds of bank shares

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Politics

Weekly social welfare rates will rise by €12 A third rate of stamp duty, worth 6pc which will be introduced for properties worth over €1.5m Cost of a typical vape will increase by more than €1, with a packet of cigarettes rising by €1 The amount of money an employer can give employees as bonus payment will increase to €1,500. There will be an additional 485 beds across hospital and community services Free public transport has been extended to children aged 5-8 years old College fees have been reduced by €1,000

The coalition has made its multi-billion-euro pitch to voters ahead of the general election - with an €8.3bn Budget comprising €1.4bn in tax cuts and €6.9bn in new spending.

Included in the raft of measures is an increase in the entry point for the higher rate of tax, a number of hikes in social welfare payments and a series of once-off payments to deal with the cost of living.

Among the notable measures are the cutting of the Motor Insolvency Compensation Fund levy to 0pc, a new "mansion tax", hikes of €12 to social welfare payments and an increase in the cost of your typical vape.

Below you will find everything you need to know:

Tax

Cigarettes and Vapes

A new tax on vapes and e-cigarettes will also come into effect, raising the price on the products. The tax on a packet of cigarettes will increase by €1. This will bring the price of cigarettes in the most popular price category to €18.05, which will come into effect overnight. The price of a typical vape will go up by €1.23 to €9.23, but this will not kick in until the middle of next year.

Welfare

Cost-of-living package

Climate

Grants

Housing

Education

Health

Justice and Defence

Business and employment

Transport

Farming

Other measures

Apple tax

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Budget 2025: social welfare hikes, 'mansion tax' and cheaper car insurance, here's everything you need to know

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The coalition has made its multi-billion-euro pitch to voters ahead of the general election - with an €8.3bn Budget comprising €1.4bn in tax cuts and €6.9bn in new spending.

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Budget 2025 main points: From double child benefit to 10,000 new social homes

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USC cut to 3%; extra credits for renters; 10,000 new social homes to built and free public transport for under-9s

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Amy Blaney, Caoimhe Gordon and Eoghan Moloney

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Budget 2025 latest: 1000 new gardaí, €2bn for social housing and cigarettes up by €1

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The Government has unveiled its multi-billion euro Budget with a highly anticipated cost-of-living package.

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David Kent, Paul Hosford, Elaine Loughlin, Tadgh McNally and Michelle McGlynn

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This year the Government had a €8.3bn package to work with, which was split between €6.9bn of public spending and €1.4bn on tax cuts and changes

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Carbon tax on petrol and diesel to increase from Wednesday next week

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The rate per tonne of carbon dioxide emitted by petrol and diesel vehicles will increase from €56 to €63.50.