Budget 2026 Proposals Aim to Ease Financial Burdens for Households

As the government prepares for Budget 2026, discussions are underway regarding potential measures aimed at alleviating financial pressures on households. Various organizations have begun submitting their proposals, advocating for changes that could benefit a wide array of citizens. Among these, the Irish Dental Association has put forward a significant suggestion that could introduce tax relief for dental treatments, potentially saving families considerable expenses.

The Irish Dental Association has proposed that Budget 2026 include tax relief at the standard rate of 20% for dental fillings, extractions, and dentures. In their pre-budget submission, the Association emphasized that this change is essential to alleviate the financial burden of dental care. Furthermore, they recommend that non-routine treatments currently covered at the standard rate be shifted to the marginal tax rate of 40%.

According to the Association, state funding for dental care has seen a substantial decline, with around €800 million lost between 2009 and 2023 due to cutbacks in benefits for PRSI and medical card patients. “Under the current system, there is a widening gap between those who can afford to access dentistry by private means and those who are left at the mercy of a public system which is underfunded and not fit for purpose,” the Association stated. The situation is further exacerbated by a decrease of 800 dentists within the Dental Treatment Services Scheme since 2012, despite a population growth of over 15% in Ireland.

In a related development, parents may benefit from significant financial relief in Budget 2026 through proposed changes to the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme. Children’s Minister Norma Foley is considering an extension of free pre-school attendance by one hour per day, which could result in savings of up to €1,900 annually for families. Currently, the ECCE programme provides three hours of free pre-school education each day for two years, operating five days a week for 38 weeks a year.

The proposed measure, if implemented, would entail an additional hour of pre-school each day during the second year. “This measure would benefit children’s learning and help reduce the cost of childcare for working parents,” a government source indicated. The financial implications are particularly notable for families in Dublin, where the extension could yield at least €50 in weekly savings.

This initiative aligns with the government’s broader commitment to gradually reduce childcare costs to €200 per child per month during its term. As Budget 2026 approaches, these proposals highlight a concerted effort to address the rising cost of living and support households across the country. The outcome of these discussions will be closely watched by families who are keenly aware of the financial pressures they face.