National Women's Council of Ireland Gender Impact Assessment of Budget 2026 (nwci.ie)

• Budget 2026: €7.9bn spending increase, €1.5bn tax cuts
• Permanent welfare enhancements: fuel allowance, child payment, but no disability payment
• Early years budget up to €1.5bn; 2,300 new places, 700 state-led
• NWC criticises insufficient climate ambition, no tax base reform, poor educator pay

"The National Women's Council of Ireland (NWC) analysed Budget 2026 for gender equality impacts. It welcomed permanent welfare measures (fuel allowance increase, child payment rise) but criticised inadequate investment in public services, climate action, and tax base diversification. The Early Years budget rose by €125m to €1.5bn, funding 2,300 extra childcare places, including 700 state-led places. However, the NWC noted gaps like no weekly disability payment, insufficient educator pay, and limited affordability improvements. It called for bolder ambition in future budgets."