Editorial: Only time will tell
Emails are beginning to trickle into my inbox about the next budget from various organisations.
spunout’s pre-budget submission includes €100 million to community-based and statutory youth mental health services, an investment of €4.1 billion in affordable and cost-rental housing targeted at young people and €786 million to provide free public transport for all young adults, among other asks.
Business competitiveness measures, followed by housing and the cost of living, were the top priorities for Cork Chamber’s members. Exploring business competitiveness measures in more detail, members said investments in infrastructure and connectivity were the most important budgetary measure to support competitiveness.
Rob Horgan, Cork Chamber President, said: “Now more than ever, investing in our economic competitiveness into the future is vital. Competitiveness is comprised of many different elements – infrastructure investment, supports for SMEs and innovation, cost of business measures, tax reforms – and government needs to take a holistic approach to future competitiveness in Budget 2026.”
Meanwhile, Family Carers Ireland issued what it described as a “stark warning to the Government”, urging immediate and decisive action in Budget 2026 to address the escalating crisis faced by Ireland’s 500,000-plus family carers. Family Carers Ireland said, despite repeated public praise, family carers continue to face severe financial strain, inadequate access to essential supports, and rising levels of physical and mental exhaustion.
I never envy the Government around budget time. People always feel like they don’t get enough (and they often don’t!) and when they get a lot, it’s seen as buying votes. Personally, I never expect much from the budget. I can’t say my life has ever been greatly improved after budgets are announced.
My husband and I have a two year old son. I think there are some changes that would be nice to see for all families – small tokens of appreciation if you will. When he was a baby, his formula being included in supermarket voucher schemes would have been nice. If I can spend €50 on junk food for myself and get €10 off, why is the same not true for the only food a baby can have? And of course, everyone is different. That change wouldn’t mean much to a pensioner for example. From housing to transport to recreation to our jobs, we all have different needs and wants based on what phase of our life we’re in.
However, food is something we all need and have seen a cost increase in the past year. The cost of living is something the Government should be helping with. I was glad to see the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is due to conduct some analysis of the grocery retail sector following Government intervention. Will this make a difference? Will Budget 2026 make a difference? Only time and our bank accounts will tell.