Government increases home grants and tax cuts in Budget 2027
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Ministers have unveiled the details of Budget 2027, focusing on significant relief for households. First-time buyers are the primary beneficiaries, with the Help to Buy scheme rising to €35,000 and the new home grant getting a €5,000 boost. Middle-income earners are promised tax cuts of up to €1,500, while pensioners are slated for a €10 weekly increase. A late proposal to scrap stamp duty for second-hand buyers was dropped in the final hour, perhaps proving there is a limit to even a generous treasury's largesse.
The mood in the classroom is less celebratory. Primary teachers have begun a work-to-rule action and confirmed a second strike date, which is expected to close almost all schools. The union's timing ensures that while the government talks about future spending, parents will be reminded of the current state of the public service.
The domestic squeeze is felt elsewhere as new research suggests 44% of young adults find mental health support unaffordable. For those trying to get to work today, the problems were more literal: signalling issues in County Kildare caused significant disruptions to commuter rail services into Dublin.