‘A step backwards’: Kilkenny senator speaks out against Budget 2026
Budget 2026 was announced on Tuesday
Kilkenny based Senator Patricia Stephenson has criticised Government decision-making on Budget 2026, focusing on lack of supports for disabled people and families while also highlighting the hospitality VAT cut which will increase profits for large fast-food corporations.
The Social Democrats senator labelled the announcements as ‘a Budget for developers and fast-food chains at the expense of families, carers and the disabled’.
“This Budget is a step backwards for disabled people. We are hearing from disability rights organisations that disabled people may see their income cut by up to €1,400,” she said.
“For disabled people, this Budget is another blow. Supports have been quietly stripped back, and there’s still no increase in wage subsidies for disabled workers.”
“For families that are already stretched to the limit, it’s a Budget of broken promises including the cap on childcare which remains a huge burden for many. In particular, for women who are having to remain at home and not work because of lack of childcare provision or exorbitant costs,” she added.
A central point of frustration in the new Budget was the cutting of VAT for restaurants and apartment developers with Labour TD Ged Nash referring to it as “a Budget for burger barons and big builders”.
Senator Stephenson concluded by contrasting this tax cut to the growing numbers being affected by the housing and cost of living crises.
“Right now, we have 200,000 children living in poverty and more than 5,000 are homeless. But instead of tackling that crisis, the government has chosen to prioritise corporate developers and multinational food-chains. It’s hard to imagine clearer evidence of where their priorities lie,” she asserted.
“This Budget could have targeted support at our vitally important local cafés, which are critical in rural communities and not the blanket measures included which will put money in the hands of multinational fast-food chains”.
“The Social Democrats believe a fair Budget should make life better for those who need help most, not help developers get richer. This Government had a chance to show vision and compassion. Instead, it has chosen the status quo.”