"The Government has left workers with next to no reason to welcome in the new year. It has failed to keep many of the resolutions made before the general election and in the new programme for government,"
"In 2026, there will be no income tax indexation to take account of the increase in inflation or wage growth, because they blew the budget on a €0.7bn Vat handout to hospitality business owners."
"If Government hadn't reneged on its commitment to reach a living wage on January 1, 2026, the minimum wage would be increasing by 95c to €14.45 instead of 65c."
Funds originally allocated for tax changes were redirected to a VAT rate cut for the hospitality sector and incentives for builders. Middle-income earners who receive pay increases will be approximately €500 worse off over the next year because tax bands and credits were not adjusted. There will be no income tax indexation in 2026, leaving thresholds unadjusted for inflation and wage growth. Childcare fees will not be reduced from the capped €295 weekly level toward the promised €200 monthly per child. The rent tax credit will not increase. The pledged living wage will be delayed for low-paid workers, reducing the minimum wage uplift.
Read at Irish Independent
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