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The Explainer
The Explainer
8 Oct 2025
How did a Budget with billions in spending leave people unhappy?
00:00
It's the political paradox of Budget 2026: a multi-billion euro package that seems to have left almost everyone underwhelmed. The government has announced major spending on housing, infrastructure, and social welfare, but from farmers to homeless charities, many are calling it a 'missed opportunity' that fails to tackle Ireland's big issues. We're joined by Dr Emma Howard, economist at TU Dublin, to explain what the headline figures really mean, who the winners and losers are, and whether this Budget is putting Ireland on a risky path.