Just 10% of consumers see a hospitality Vat cut as a budget priority 

Healthcare, housing, and cost of living among top priorities of Irish households, survey shows

Just 10% of consumers cited a Vat cut as one of their three budget priorities, the lowest share of responses among the 13 options put before consumers in the survey.

Consumers in Ireland are taking a pessimistic view of the upcoming budget, with more than half believing it will not improve their living standards.

The Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Survey shows infrastructure remains the priority for households in Budget 2026, continuing the trend seen in previous years. 

The survey found 48% believe the budget should focus on healthcare, followed by housing, then helping households with the cost of living.

At 42%, the number of households concerned about the cost of goods has remained the same as last year, highlighting the persistence of pressures in this area. 

Just 10% of consumers cited a Vat cut as one of their three budget priorities, the lowest share of responses among the 13 options put before consumers in the survey.

The survey results also suggest there is little or no expectation of a ‘giveaway’ budget, in the sense of consumers receiving a marked boost to their household finances. 

"Consumers' expectations for substantial support from Budget 26 are quite limited, and notably more modest than a year ago," economist Austin Hughes said. 

In that respect, it would seem that pre-budget commentary emphasising limited room for manoeuvre has had some dampening impact on expectations.

The Consumer Sentiment Index for September held steady, rising slightly, showing no major change in mood, with household concerns remaining fixed on the outlook for the economy, warnings about the budget, and weakness in spending power.

Irish consumer confidence has not changed markedly over the past five months, as the negative impact of US tariffs has yet to translate into materially changed economic conditions here.

"In circumstances where economic and financial news flow has been noisy and largely negative, it is not at all surprising that Irish consumers remain cautious and concerned. However, household incomes have been supported by a healthy jobs market and the various measures introduced in last year’s budget," Mr Hughes said.