Civil Society Analysis of Irish Budget 2026 Critiques Insufficient Welfare and Housing Measures (socialjustice.ie)

• Core welfare increase of €10 per week called insufficient; needs €25 to maintain purchasing power.
• Government's delay of living wage target to 2029 criticised.
• Housing investment inadequate; estimate 135,000 social homes needed, homelessness at record high.
• Tax base eroded by VAT reductions and tax breaks; underlying deficit of €13.5bn excluding windfall corporate taxes.

"Social Justice Ireland's analysis of Budget 2026 finds the government's approach to poverty lacks strategy. While welcoming the child support payment increase and extension of the artists' basic income, the report criticises the €10 weekly welfare increase as inadequate compared to the €25 needed to maintain purchasing power. It notes a narrowing of the tax base through VAT cuts and tax breaks, and warns of an underlying deficit when windfall corporate taxes are excluded. Housing investment remains insufficient to meet the estimated 135,000 social homes needed, and homelessness is at record levels with 16,353 people in emergency accommodation, including 5,145 children."