Social Justice Ireland Critiques Budget 2026 as Lacking Strategic Approach to Poverty (socialjustice.ie)

• Welfare increase of €10/week insufficient vs €25 needed to keep pace with earnings
• Underlying deficit of €13.5bn in 2026 after removing windfall corporate taxes
• Social housing target of 10,200 units far below estimated need of 135,000

"Social Justice Ireland's analysis of Budget 2026 finds it fails to decisively tackle poverty, with a €10 weekly welfare increase falling short of the needed €25. The tax base is eroded by VAT cuts and tax breaks, while underlying deficits (€13.5bn in 2026 excluding windfall taxes) raise sustainability concerns. Social housing investment (10,200 units) is vastly insufficient given an unmet need of 135,000 homes. Homelessness reached record highs. The group welcomes child support increases but regrets lack of strategic vision."