Is fiscal drag effectively a tax increase?

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers have unveiled the details of Budget 2026.

The €9.4 billion package includes measure aimed at increasing housing delivery, a VAT reduction for the hospitality sector, and a €500 permanent reduction in student fees but it there is no cost-of-living-package or tax cuts for workers.

Ian Guider, business columnist with Business Post, Nancy Fallon, tax partner with KPMG, and Daniel McConnell, editor of the Business Post, join The Last Word to discuss what is in Budget 2026.

Hear the full conversation by pressing the play button on this page!