Statement by Minister Donohoe on Budget 2026

Check against delivery

Budget 2026 will invest in our future while securing the jobs, prosperity and stability of today.

It will tackle the serious challenges of meeting our housing and investment needs. At the same time, we are preparing for tomorrow. This Budget builds up our resilience and will help us to adapt at a time of historic challenge for our economy and society.

This Budget is the first of this government’s term. We will continue to deliver for our citizens over the course of the next four Budgets and in the years ahead.

Transformation and Challenge

Ceann Comhairle, our economy has proven to be remarkably resilient. This is due to the transformation of Ireland in recent decades.

There are 2.8 million people at work in Ireland today; more than lived here in 1961. People are also living longer and healthier lives than ever before. Life expectancy today is 83 years of age; ten years above expectations just four decades ago.

The number of adults with a third-level qualification has tripled in a generation.

We have also made huge progress in returning our public finances to health. Our debt ratio is moving in the right direction and has almost halved since I delivered my first Budget to the House in 2016.

Ceann Comhairle, while we should reflect on this progress, of which everyone can be proud, we also understand that not everyone feels the benefits of it in their daily lives. For many, concerns about their cost of living and about access to a home remain paramount.

To make the case for the progress we have made is also to acknowledge that we need to achieve more. And we need to achieve more in a world that is dramatically changing.

Uncertain Times

Ceann Comhairle, the certainties that have underpinned Ireland’s transformation are now being called into question.

Uncertainty is the defining feature of the global economy this year.

While the international order has been shifting for over a decade, this year saw greater fragmentation as widespread tariffs were introduced.

The world has been pulling away from its near-universal commitment to free and open trade; a commitment that has benefitted many.

Our fortunes are connected to the world around us. Peace and partnership have been the drivers of our economic and social progress in recent decades. Ireland will always be a global voice for, and champion of, cooperation and trade.

It is regrettable that tariffs were introduced, but the recent EU-US trade agreement is still a better outcome than the alternative of higher tariffs and ultimately greater uncertainty. Nonethless, tariffs will, of course, impact growth over the coming years.

Ceann Comhairle, the question arises as to how we respond to the challenges that tariffs, and a more difficult international environment, pose to the Irish economy? With a plan to strengthen the resilience we have shown in the past, underpinned by a sensible budget that will safeguard our future. That is how.

A Positive Future

It is more pressing than ever that this government presents a budget that protects jobs and supports growth.

My department is projecting Modified Domestic Demand - the best measurement for the domestic economy - to grow by 3.3 per cent this year and by 2.3 per cent next year.

Domestic activity is expected to be supported by continued strength in our jobs market, which has proven to be remarkably resilient to recent shocks. Since the onset of the pandemic, we have added more than 440,000 jobs to the economy. This is an historic achievement, which has been driven by record levels of women at work, as well as people coming to work in Ireland. Our strong labour force, the backbone of our economy, is diverse – and there is strength in that diversity.

This Budget will protect jobs and build on our progress. Looking ahead, we expect to add a further 63,500 jobs by the end of next year, with the economy remaining at full employment over the coming period. Real incomes are also expected to continue to grow, helped by lower inflation, which is forecast to remain at around 2 per cent next year.

My department’s macroeconomic forecasts have been endorsed by the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council.

However, I am still acutely aware that prices remain high. For many necessities, including food, prices are still going in the wrong direction. This Budget seeks to address this through targeted supports for those most in need in a way that is affordable for our country.

We also need to invest. The updated National Development Plan, published by Minister Chambers in July, commits to €275 billion of capital expenditure over the next ten years.

This strategic investment will support our energy, water, housing and transport sectors; areas critical to making Ireland a better place in which to live and work, while improving the competitiveness of our economy for domestic and foreign investment. This Budget will secure jobs and stability at a time of global challenge.

This investment will not alone increase the potential of our economy, it will also boost growth and job creation in the short and medium term. This, in turn, will further safeguard and improve the lives of our citizens.

Our Public Finances

Due to the hard work of the Irish people and the right policy choices, Government is in a strong position to be able to protect our economy and the public services that underpin it.

Our public finances are in good shape. Today’s budgetary package is €9.4 billion, as set out in the Summer Economic Statement. €8.1 billion will be allocated for public spending and €1.3 billion will be allocated for taxation measures.

I have reduced the tax package by €150 million to facilitate additional spending in targeted supports for the most vulnerable, while maintaining an unchanged total budgetary package.

We must continue to control the growth rate of day-to-day spending to a level that is safe and affordable; one that reflects the reality of where we are today. Inflation has moderated, the size of our budgets must moderate too. Every budget is about choices. No budget can do everything, nor should it attempt to. The one-off measures of recent years must be replaced by more targeted and permanent supports, giving greater certainty to people.

We are making the best possible use of the resources available, to invest in our future and to strengthen our foundations. Similarly, we should have a tax package that does not put our economy at risk. To safeguard against risk, we are running budget surpluses, reducing public debt and building up funds so that we are prepared for the future.

We have run general government surpluses over the last three years. For this year, the surplus will be €10.2 billion and next year the surplus will be €5.1 billion. The debt-GNI* ratio has declined by more than 40 percentage points relative to the pandemic-related peak.

The government will submit a Medium Term Fiscal and Structural Plan to the European Commission in the coming weeks to ensure that, like all EU countries, this and future budgets are sustainable and affordable, keeping our public finances, and our people, safe.

Reliance and Resilience

Our corporation tax revenues have allowed us to respond to issues, such as the pandemic and the cost-of-living challenge.

In recent months, we have seen volatility in our corporate tax receipts. We know overreliance is a risk. In addition, international tax negotiations to design a system that achieves a fair and balanced approach to Global Minimum Taxation, and that accommodates the US tax system, while maintaining a level playing field for all, are still ongoing. There is still considerable uncertainty.

That is why, Ceann Comhairle, we continue to put money aside in the two long-term savings funds – the Future Ireland Fund and the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund, to help us to deal with the demographic and structural challenges that may lie ahead.

By the end of next year, my department projects these funds will have built up to around €24 billion; an investment to protect future generations. By the end of this government’s term we expect to have more than €40 billion built up in these long term funds.

This will allow us to face the challenges of the future from the best possible position.

However, we must also be conscious of the challenges we face today, first among them housing. And in preparing this Budget, it has been to the forefront of my mind.

For first time buyers, for aspiring homeowners, and for those attempting to navigate the rental market - increasing supply is key.

Government is determined to use all policies at our disposal to increase supply and alleviate pressure, so that more people can access a home.

This is why we have committed over €5 billion in capital investment for housing delivery next year, in addition to investment by the Land Development Agency and Approved Housing Bodies.

We have legislated for the biggest changes to the planning system for a generation. We are implementing the National Planning Framework so that homes are built where they are needed. And we have made significant changes to the design of homes to make them more affordable.

Home Building Finance Ireland provides finance to homebuilders across the country, and additional funding will be made available to SMEs. To ensure they have the capacity to fund such homebuilders, I have consented to €200 million of additional external funding to support this objective.

I have also considered how the tax system can contribute to supporting additional supply, promoting regeneration and tackling dereliction.

VAT on apartments

Firstly, I am reducing the VAT rate as applied to the sale of completed apartments to 9 per cent from 13.5 per cent, effective from tonight until the 31st of December 2030.

This reduction will help address the viability gap in apartment construction as part of a social policy to deliver more and higher density apartments. I will introduce a Financial Resolution to give effect to this decision this evening.

Residential zoned land tax

The Residential Zoned Land Tax introduced in Budget 2022, came into effect on 1 February 2025. This tax is designed to increase the national stock of zoned and infrastructurally serviced land and to deliver housing across the country.

So far, there have been almost 2,000 returns filed. Of these, 526 have requested the deferral of the tax because the land is being actively developed within planning timelines. This demonstrates that the objective of the tax is being met.

Today, I am announcing another opportunity for landowners to avail of an exemption in 2026 if they seek to have their land rezoned to reflect the genuine economic activity being carried out.

The exemption will be considered by Local Authorities based on guidelines issued by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Further changes to enhance the operation of the tax will be brought forward in the Finance Bill.

Cost rental housing

In line with Government’s commitment to accelerate the delivery of affordable homes, I am exempting the rental profits arising from homes that fall within the Cost Rental Scheme from corporation tax. This exemption will apply to developments that are designated as falling within the Cost Rental Scheme by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage from on or after the 8th of October 2025.

Construction costs

To further incentivise the provision of new residential units, I am also introducing an enhanced corporation tax deduction for certain costs incurred on the construction of apartment developments, and for the conversion of non-residential buildings into apartments, to improve the viability of such developments. It will be available for projects where a Commencement Notice is submitted on or after the 8th of October 2025, and on or before the 31st of December 2030.

Living City Initiative

Turning now to our larger cities, the Living City Initiative supports the enhancement of older housing and commercial properties in the designated Special Regeneration Areas in Cork, Dublin, Galway Kilkenny, Limerick and Waterford.

I am making the following substantial changes to strengthen the scheme:

• I am extending it to the end of 2030
• I am increasing its scope for residential properties from those built before 1915 to those built before 1975
• furthermore, I am amending the scheme to support the use of “over the shop” premises for residential purposes
• where the works are carried out by enterprises, the maximum amount of relief available will be increased from €200,000 to €300,000 and I am providing greater flexibility on the time period over which the relief can be claimed
• finally, over the coming period, I plan to add the five regional centres under the National Planning Framework to the scheme. These are Athlone, Drogheda, Dundalk, Letterkenny and Sligo. Adding Special Regeneration Areas to these towns will require careful planning and preparation by the relevant Local Authorities

Derelict property tax

Dereliction is a blight on our towns and cities. We need to bring those properties currently lying empty back into use. To target the activation of this housing stock, and in an attempt to breathe new life back into our towns and villages, I am today announcing the introduction of a new Derelict Property Tax, which will be implemented and collected by the Revenue Commissioners.

With the agreement of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, this new tax will replace the Derelict Sites Levy, which is currently charged at a rate of 7% on the site market value. I do not intend for the new tax to be charged at a lower rate than this.

I intend to bring forward legislation providing for the Derelict Property Tax in 2026. Preliminary registers of dereliction will be published in 2027 and the tax will be implemented as soon as possible after this date.

Residential Development Stamp Duty Refund Scheme

The Residential Development Stamp Duty Refund Scheme is due to expire at the end of this year. In this year’s Finance Bill, I am extending it until the end of 2030. This scheme provides for a partial repayment of the Stamp Duty paid on a deed of conveyance or transfer of land where the land is subsequently developed for residential purposes.

To improve its effectiveness, I am also making a number of changes to the scheme, including extending the two time limits that apply - for acquisition to commencement and commencement to completion - from 30-months to 36-months where an application for a Stamp Duty refund is made in respect of a large-scale residential development.

I am also providing for a full Stamp Duty refund to be claimed in respect of a multi-phase development at the commencement of the first phase of that development.

Retrofitting deduction for landlords

To continue supporting the upgrading of rental housing stock, I will be rolling over the Income Tax deduction for small landlords, who retrofit their properties, for a further three years.

These measures are designed to encourage more stock into the housing market and to support the development of higher quality homes.

Personal income tax

As I have said previously, Budgets are about choices.

This Budget boosts our economic resilience and keeps our public finances safe. It maintains our competitiveness and ability to protect jobs. It also meets the challenges we face in housing and investment to deliver for households and business around the country.

The scope for significant personal tax changes is limited. Government is committed to measures that will improve the overall standard of living, with a focus on affordable, permanent changes in this Budget. However, over the lifetime of this government, I will stand by our commitment to make progressive changes to Income Tax, if the economy remains strong.

Today, I am announcing targeted changes to USC. As of the 1st of January 2026, the national minimum wage will increase by €0.65 per hour to €14.15 per hour. Accordingly, I will be increasing the ceiling for the 2 per cent rate band by €1,318 to €28,700. This increase will ensure that full-time workers on the minimum wage will remain outside the top rates of USC, while also giving a modest benefit to all workers whose income is above that amount.

I am also extending the USC concession that applies to those who have a full medical card and earn less than €60,000 per year so that the reduced rate of USC continues to apply for a further two years until the end of 2027.

Rent Tax Credit

Where our renters are concerned, I am conscious of the cost pressures faced by many of the individuals and families in this space. The Rent Tax Credit was introduced in Budget 2023 and has proven to be a very meaningful support for renters, with almost 400,000 people benefitting from it in 2023.

This Credit is due to expire at the end of 2025. I am announcing that I am extending it for a further three years, to the end of 2028, in a bid to alleviate the pressure through what has been a valuable tax measure for many.

Mortgage interest tax relief

To support homeowners, I am extending the Mortgage Interest Tax Relief for a further two years with a reduced value applying in the final year.

Extension of the 9% VAT rate on gas and electricity

Conscious of the fact that energy prices remain high, I am extending the 9 per cent rate of VAT on gas and electricity bills until the 31st of December 2030, with a Financial Resolution on this matter later this evening. This should go some way to alleviating energy cost pressures across the year for households.

Promoting investment and a supportive business environment

Turning to our businesses, Government has been proactive in its reaction to the challenging global environment.

Along with our EU partners, we are committed to unlocking the potential of the EU Single Market, which offers enormous opportunities.

In February of this year, the Tánaiste convened the first meeting of the Government Trade Forum, to help us better understand how the changing trade landscape will impact on firms across various sectors.

Building on this, the recently published Government Action Plan on Market Diversification and the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity set out the government’s strategy for ensuring the resilience of our economy, while further boosting competitiveness.

This Budget represents a significant intervention by Government to protect jobs and businesses.

Reduced 9% VAT rate for hospitality sector and hairdressers

In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to further support businesses and help them to retain jobs, I am reducing the VAT rate from 13.5 per cent to 9 per cent on food and catering businesses and for hairdressing services.

This measure will come into effect from the 1st of July 2026. This will cost €232 million in 2026 and €681 million in a full year. It reflects the government’s commitment to support businesses in the services sector who are facing increased cost pressures. Furthermore, it will support more than 150,000 jobs in these sectors right across the country.

Research and development tax credit

As a key driver of economic growth and high value employment, Research and Development supports are critical to Ireland’s continuing competitiveness in a challenging global environment.

Recognising this, and following a review undertaken by my department this year, I am making several improvements to the regime, including:

• increasing the rate of the Credit from 30 per cent to 35 per cent
• increasing the first-year payment threshold from €75,000 to €87,500 to support smaller Research and Development projects

I will also be publishing a Research and Development compass in the coming weeks, which will consider targeted changes to the Research and Development Tax Credit to better align with industry practices, for example in the areas of outsourcing and qualifying expenditure definitions. It will also set a pathway for development of innovation supports.

Participation exemption

I am committed to delivering tax simplification for businesses. Last year, a participation exemption for foreign dividends was introduced to simplify double tax relief and enhance Ireland’s competitiveness for multi-national businesses.

I will be updating and enhancing those rules by expanding the geographic scope of the exemption to include jurisdictions where non-refundable withholding taxes apply, and providing for a number of technical amendments to improve the operation of the relief.

Ireland’s interest regime

On the theme of competitiveness, it is critical that our tax code is attractive to investment and is aligned with international best practice. Accordingly, I am publishing an Action Plan today to reform Ireland’s tax regime for interest.

The Action Plan is informed by responses received to an extensive consultation on the tax treatment of interest in Ireland. The primary request arising from that consultation is for fundamental reform of the underlying framework for the taxation and deductibility of interest.

The phased approach of the plan will progress reforms to achieve a simplified regime that supports competitiveness and protects the tax base. In this regard, a feedback statement will be published in November for further consultation.

Visual effects

To respond to specific competitive challenges being faced by the visual effects sector in Ireland, I am today announcing an enhancement to the section 481 Film Tax Credit to provide for a new 40 per cent rate of relief for productions with a minimum of €1 million of eligible expenditure on relevant visual effects work. This rate will apply up to a maximum of €10 million per production.

Digital games

We have seen the creativity and success of our digital games sector. To provide certainty to this sector and to encourage its continued growth, I am extending the Digital Games Tax Credit for 6 years to the 31st of December 2031. The Credit will also allow for claims in respect of post release content work, where the original game availed of the Digital Games Tax Credit. Further detail will be published as part of the Finance Bill.

As the proposed changes to the visual effects and digital games incentives are approved State aids, they will be notified to the European Commission and introduced subject to commencement orders.

Revised entrepreneur relief

Entrepreneurs are vital to creating jobs and stimulating economic activity across the country. This government is committed to maintaining a tax system that supports them.

I am enhancing the existing Capital Gains Tax Revised Entrepreneur Relief by increasing the lifetime limit on gains to which the relief applies, from €1 million to €1.5 million for disposals made from the 1st of January 2026. This change will help ensure the Capital Gains Tax system supports entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses and take on new challenges.

Key Employee Engagement Programme

The Key Employee Engagement Programme is due to expire at the end of 2025. Following engagement with stakeholders in relation to this scheme, I am extending it until the end of 2028, subject to approval from the European Commission.

Special Assignee Relief Programme

I have already spoken about the important role that Foreign Direct Investment plays in our economy through the creation of employment and the expansion of business in Ireland.

I am extending the Special Assignee Relief Programme for five years while also increasing the minimum qualifying income to €125,000 to ensure the relief is appropriately calibrated. I will also simplify the administrative requirements; further details will be set out in the Finance Bill.

Foreign earnings deduction

As an open economy, deeply integrated into global trade flows, Ireland is exposed to external economic downturns or volatility. The Foreign Earnings Deduction (FED) is an important incentive for employees that supports Irish firms in exploring and expanding into new export markets. I am extending FED for five years. I am also increasing the level of relief available to €50,000 and extending the scheme to include the Philippines and Türkiye.

VAT modernisation and electronic invoicing

Recently agreed changes to EU VAT law will re-shape the VAT administration environment to better facilitate modern ways of trading, while strengthening the capacity of tax systems across the EU to tackle VAT loss. To this end, the Revenue Commissioners will begin a phased roll-out of domestic electronic invoicing arrangements for business-to-business transactions. Revenue will publish further details on this initiative in a paper tomorrow.

Withholding taxes

Withholding taxes are an important feature of our tax system and I wish to explore opportunities to modernise, digitalise and further expand the scope of them as we continue to adapt and respond to new and developing business models. A joint Department of Finance and Revenue public consultation will be launched soon.

These measures will contribute to the creation and retention of jobs. Better use of our savings can also contribute to this objective.

Savings and investment

The EU Savings and Investments Union aims to make it easier, safer and cheaper for people to invest. This gives citizens a better return and helps to fund businesses so that they can continue to grow.

In recognition of the importance of encouraging retail investment, today I am reducing the tax rate that applies to Irish, and equivalent offshore funds and foreign life assurance, products from 41% to 38%.

Reflecting the complexity of the tax framework for retail investment, and to facilitate due consideration of the Funds Sector 2030 Report, I intend to publish a roadmap early next year, setting out my intended approach to simplify and adapt the tax framework to encourage retail investment. It will take into account the European Commission’s recommendation on Savings and Investment Accounts.

Of course, Ireland has a leading position in the investment funds and asset management industry globally, supporting almost 37,500 jobs across the country.

An Implementation Plan for the overall Funds Sector 2030 Report is also being published today.

That report recommended a public consultation on potential options for an entity level tax for IREFs. I do not propose to progress this recommendation. However, my department will undertake a public consultation on proposals to simplify the IREF regime without limiting its effectiveness.

Stamp duty measure for Irish SMEs and start-ups trading on regulated markets

In order to support our capital markets, I am introducing a new market cap exemption Stamp Duty threshold of €1 billion for Irish SMEs and start-ups trading on regulated markets. For companies below this threshold, the 1% Stamp Duty charge paid on share transactions will not apply. This change is essential to the growth of homegrown businesses especially those aiming to expand internationally.

Bank levy

Finally, I believe it remains appropriate that the banking sector continues to make a contribution to the Irish economy. Therefore, I am extending the Bank Levy for one year, with a target yield of €200 million.

Domestic and foreign investment are key to our economic growth. So too is the success of our farming sector. I want to acknowledge the report of the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming. This report looks at farm succession in particular and makes a series of recommendations, including the extension of the four tax relief schemes that are specific to this sector, which are due to end this year.

I have considered this matter and have decided to extend the Farm Consolidation (Stamp Duty) relief, Farm Restructuring (CGT) relief and the Young Trained Farmer (Stamp Duty) relief to the end of 2029. I am also expanding the scope of Farm Restructuring Relief to include woodlands and forestry.

In addition, in order to continue to help farmers to meet emission targets, and to address our shared environmental challenges, I am announcing an extension of the Accelerated Capital Allowance scheme for slurry storage facilities for four more years. It is important to be aware that these measures constitute State Aid and must comply with EU State Aid rules.

In support of climate policy, Finance Act 2020 legislated for annual increases in the carbon tax out to 2030. This year’s increase – which brings the tax to €71 per tonne of CO2 emitted - will be applied to auto fuels with effect from tomorrow, and to all other fuels from the 1st of May 2026.

The additional revenue arising from the carbon tax increase is estimated at €121 million in 2026 and the full year additional yield is estimated at €157 million.

These revenues will be ring-fenced to ensure that the carbon tax policy is progressive. We will spend this revenue on social welfare measures and other measures to prevent fuel poverty and to ensure a just transition; a socially progressive national retrofitting programme, and funding to encourage and incentivise farmers to farm in a greener and more sustainable way.

For example this year, the allocation for the Warmer Homes Scheme, which provides completely funded retrofits to low-income households, has seen an 11 fold increase relative to 2020 expenditure.

We are also making huge progress on solar generation. Today, there are over 140,000 households with solar PV installed, providing greater energy affordability for these houses both by reducing their own energy demand and allowing them to sell excess energy into the grid.

Support for the adoption of electric vehicles

In support of increasing the number of electric vehicles on our roads, I am extending the €5,000 VRT relief for electric vehicles for a further one year until the 31st of December 2026.

In relation to the Benefit-in-Kind regime for company cars, I am extending, on a tapered basis, the universal relief on the Original Market Value of a vehicle which was first introduced as a temporary measure in 2023. This relief will remain at €10,000 in 2026. It will reduce to €5,000 in 2027 and €2,500 in 2028, being abolished from 2029. I am also creating a new vehicle category for zero emission cars only, where the lowest BIK rates will apply.

Accelerated Capital Allowances schemes

To further encourage capital investment to help deliver a reduction in emissions, I am extending the Accelerated Capital Allowances schemes for energy efficient equipment and for gas vehicles and refuelling equipment for a further five years until the 31st of December 2030.

Micro-generation of electricity

To help as many citizens as possible to play a role in the energy transition, I am extending the Income Tax disregard of €400 for income received by households who sell electricity from micro-generation back to the grid for a further three years to the end of 2028.

Pool betting duty

The new Gambling Regulatory Authority will be responsible for licensing and supervising the betting sector. Pool betting is restricted to just two entities currently, but under the new regulatory regime, a wide range of licence holders may be authorised to engage in pool betting.

I am concerned that betting operators may be incentivised to modify their business structure to avoid liability to betting duty, so I will legislate in Budget 2027 for a separate pool betting duty charge. This will provide time for engagement between my department and relevant stakeholders on the design and structure of this duty.

Tobacco

To support public health policy to reduce smoking in Irish society, I am increasing excise duty on a pack of 20 cigarettes by 50 cents, with a pro-rata increase on other tobacco products.

Ceann Comhairle, our public finances are in good shape. Our employment is at an historically high level. Our schools, our hospitals, our public services are responsible for so much good in our society.

But we must build more homes. We must help those who need our help in a more targeted way.

Minister Chambers and I make the case for this Budget, for a Budget that builds on what is good in our economy to achieve more for our country and its citizens – today and in the future.

This Budget will boost our resilience and protect jobs. It puts us in the best possible position to create a stronger and more competitive economy while meeting the needs of our people today and in the time to come.

To achieve this – this Budget must make choices.

Any budget that attempts to achieve everything - in a single go - weakens our ability to be safe in a turbulent world. This is why we make the case for running budget surpluses and setting up funds for the future. Not for some abstract reasons, but because this approach gave us the ability to help in the toughest of moments in recent years. And it will do so again.

This is why we have to strike the right balance between increasing investment and moderating the growth in day-to-day spending.

This is why our tax changes must be of a certain value, and no more.

Now is the time to steady ourselves on the path for the future.

In this and in future Budgets, Minister Chambers and I, with the Taoiseach and Tánaiste and Independent colleagues, will continue to stay on the path to support growth and maintain safe public finances. That will, in turn, offer the best protection and support for our people.

And through our investment in people, jobs, and homes, we are determined to meet the challenges we face today and realise our hopes and ambitions for tomorrow.

I commend Budget 2026 to Dáil Éireann.

ENDS