Taoiseach Micheál Martin has confirmed that there are no plans to introduce a new cost-of-living package or continue the €250 energy credit in Budget 2026.
Last year’s budget, announced in October, provided significant relief for households across the country, with cost-of-living measures totalling €2.6 billion.
It was the largest social welfare package in the State’s history, combining increased payments with once-off lump sums for social welfare recipients.
Budget 2025 also allocated €6.9 billion in expenditure and introduced €1.4 billion in tax changes.
As part of the previous cost-of-living support, €2.2 billion was set aside to help people manage expenses through the winter, including energy credits.
However, Martin has now made it clear that these credits will not be carried forward into the next budget.
While no new cost-of-living package will be introduced, he did not go into specifics about which measures might be affected.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio One, he explained that the Government’s approach will focus on helping people through existing budget mechanisms, such as social protection and tax measures, rather than another dedicated package.
Among the supports introduced last year were a €420 ‘baby boost,’ increases to allowances like Fuel Allowance and Disability Allowance, and a double payment of Child Benefit.
There was also an 80-cent rise in the minimum wage, a €12 weekly increase in social protection payments, and a €400 lump sum for those receiving the Working Family Payment.
In addition, changes to Fuel Allowance announced in Budget 2025 took effect last month, meaning thousands of people may now be eligible for support they weren’t previously receiving.
More to follow.
