Social welfare €12 rise at risk as Budget 2026 talks hit deadlock

The 'Irish Examiner' understands that Jack Chambers, right, informed Dara Calleary that the budget package he was seeking is 'too large', adding that it was not in line with what was agreed in the summer economic statement. File Picture: Eamon Ward

Proposed increases of up to €12 in core social welfare rates are now in jeopardy after the Department of Social Protection was told to "go back to the drawing board" on its budget demands. 

Social protection minister Dara Calleary has been told by public expenditure minister Jack Chambers that he is asking for too much money for Budget 2026.