Budget 2026 Proposals Could Save Households on Dental Care and Childcare

The upcoming Budget 2026 may provide significant savings for households, particularly in the areas of dental care and childcare. As discussions progress in advance of the budget set for October, various organizations have submitted proposals aimed at alleviating financial burdens for families and individuals.

Among the notable suggestions is a proposal from the Irish Dental Association, which advocates for the introduction of a new tax relief scheme. This initiative would grant all individuals tax relief on dental expenses such as fillings, extractions, and dentures. The Association argues that tax relief should be provided at the standard rate of 20 percent to ease the financial strain of dental care on patients. Furthermore, it recommends that non-routine treatments currently eligible for tax relief at the standard rate be elevated to the marginal rate of 40 percent.

The Association’s pre-budget submission highlights the adverse impact of recent cutbacks, noting that approximately €800 million in state spending on dental care for patients with PRSI and medical cards has been lost between 2009 and 2023. The group asserts that this reduction has exacerbated disparities in access to dental services.

“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 organization stated, as reported by the Irish Independent. The Association also pointed out that there are currently 800 fewer dentists participating in the Dental Treatment Services Scheme or medical card scheme compared to 2012, despite a population growth of over 15 percent in Ireland.

In addition to dental care proposals, parents could see financial relief through an extension of free pre-school services. Norma Foley, the Children’s Minister, is exploring plans to add an extra hour of free pre-school attendance to the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme. If implemented, this measure could yield savings of up to €1,900 annually for families relying on ECCE for childcare.

Currently, the ECCE programme provides three hours of free pre-school each day for two years, running five days a week for 38 weeks a year. The proposed extension would offer an additional hour per day during the second year of pre-school, enhancing both learning opportunities and financial relief for working parents.

“This measure would benefit children’s learning and help reduce the cost of childcare for working parents,” a government source noted. The potential financial benefit for parents in Dublin alone is estimated to be at least €50 per week.

The proposed changes reflect ongoing efforts by the government to address the rising cost of living and provide meaningful support to families. While Budget 2026 is still several months away, these early discussions signal a commitment to improving access to essential services for all households.