Collins: Clear evidence budget has made things worse for struggling families
Independent Ireland Party leader Michael Collins TD today launched a scathing critique of Budget 2026, arguing that the measures will deepen hardship for ordinary households and undermine the social fabric.
Citing new analysis from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), Collins said the Government’s decision to withdraw once-off cost-of-living supports will lead to real income losses for Irish families. The ESRI estimates that households will, on average, be worse off next year compared to a budget indexed to wage growth.
“The evidence is unambiguous: this budget makes life harder for struggling families, especially those on lower incomes. The Government’s withdrawal of support measures will hit hardest those least able to absorb the pain.”
Collins pointed to the stark regressivity of the changes: the removal of temporary supports will cost lower-income households 4.1 per cent of disposable income per ESRI projections.
He also criticised the freeze on tax bands and credits, which he said amounts to a stealth tax increase if wages rise, and the heavy reliance on volatile corporation tax receipts — a strategy he warned leaves the State fiscally exposed in economic downturns.
“Instead of protecting households, the Government has chosen to gamble with their livelihoods,” Collins added. “The most vulnerable will pay the greatest price, while many working families will see their standard of living fall. One of the most stunning aspects of the budget was the fact that students will now face an increase in fees - we have long highlighted the issue of how families trying to send their children to college were being punished by this Government and instead of helping they are making things worse - people are furious on this and many other aspects of this budget”
“We needed a budget that lifted people up, not one that drags them down. Independent Ireland will continue to highlight the need for a fairer approach from this government and stronger protection for those under pressure.”
