Budget 2027: The main takeaways
Tax, housing, childcare, health, welfare and transport all feature in the Government's latest budget package.
The higher rate of income tax will now apply from €46,500 — meaning a working couple could be around €1,500 better off — while the main personal, employee and earned income tax credits are increasing by €125 each.
The Government says the changes will leave someone earning €50,000 a year around €700 better off through lower income tax and USC payments. A couple earning €100,000 between them is set to gain about €1,500 annually.
The national minimum wage is increasing by 79c to €14.94 an hour, while changes to USC bands are aimed at ensuring lower-paid workers also benefit from the tax package.
The home carer tax credit will also rise by €100.
Excise duty cuts on petrol and diesel are being extended until the end of February, with full restoration not due until June.
The Government has also paused planned carbon tax increases on home heating fuels.
Weekly social welfare rates will rise by €10, while ministers say there will be no increase in fuel taxes at the pump or on home heating this winter.
A new investment account will launch from July 2027, allowing people to save and invest up to €12,000 a year.
The scheme will have a €50,000 tax-free threshold, with a 1% annual charge applying only to balances above that amount.
The Government says most account holders are unlikely to pay tax in the early years.
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Weekly social welfare payments, including the State pension, will increase by €10 a week.
The Fuel Allowance will rise by €5 a week, while a double Christmas payment has also been confirmed.
The Government is introducing a €500 cost of disability payment, while carer's allowance income thresholds are increasing and new disability supports have also been announced.
The Help to Buy scheme is increasing from €30,000 to €35,000, while the rent tax credit will rise by €150 to €1,150 for individuals and €2,300 for couples.
Housing funding will total €9.4bn, including funding for 11,250 new social homes, housing adaptation grants and a new Child and Family Homelessness Action Plan.
Capital acquisitions tax thresholds are increasing across all categories.
The parent-to-child threshold will rise from €400,000 to €420,000.
The Group B threshold will increase to €44,000, while the Group C threshold will rise to €22,000 as part of the Budget's tax package.
The National Childcare Scheme is receiving an additional €65m, with maximum monthly fees due to fall to €550 from next September.
The universal childcare subsidy will increase from €2.14 to €2.50 per hour, while additional funding is being provided to childcare providers and early years services.
The health budget will exceed €29bn, making it the largest health allocation in the State's history.
The package includes increased funding for mental health services, home supports for older people, GP reform, children's dental services and community addiction and sexual health programmes.
The price of a packet of 20 cigarettes will rise by €1 from midnight, pushing some brands above the €20 mark.
Duty on vape e-liquids is also increasing by 20c per millilitre, with the Government saying the measures are designed to discourage smoking and nicotine use.
The student contribution fee will be cut by €150, reducing it to €2,350, while Susi maintenance grants will increase by 4.5% from January.
Schools will receive funding for 2,339 additional SNAs, more than 1,300 new teachers, increased capitation grants and additional school transport funding.
The employer PRSI threshold is increasing from €552 to €600 per week, a move aimed at easing costs for SMEs and employers.
Capital gains tax is being cut from 33% to 31%, while a new €1bn State-backed investment programme and supports for rural pubs have also been announced.
The Department of Transport will receive €5.5bn, with funding earmarked for DART+, BusConnects, Cork Area Commuter Rail and other projects.
The Government has also committed €6bn between 2027 and 2030 to progress MetroLink, alongside continued fuel supports for transport operators and hauliers.
A record €655m is being allocated to SEAI energy upgrade schemes, including enhanced grants for insulation, solar panels and home retrofits.
Funding is also being provided for climate action measures, circular economy projects and major water infrastructure investment through Uisce Éireann.
Farmers will benefit from a full top-up to the fertiliser support scheme, while the agricultural fuel rebate scheme has been extended.
Carbon tax increases remain suspended, TB compensation limits are being increased and changes to flat-rate VAT supports are expected to be worth millions to the sector.
Budget 2027 includes funding for 1,000 new gardaí and 200 additional prison officers, alongside increased investment in the justice system.
A €6.1bn defence package will support the recruitment of 850 new permanent Defence Force members next year, as well as wider defence capabilities.
Sport Ireland will receive €164.9m in funding, including support for the Ryder Cup, Euro 2028 and athletes preparing for the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
The package also includes €4m for League of Ireland academies, €1m for hurling academies in non-traditional counties and €1m for inter-county GAA players.
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