Ireland's budget watchdog

Pre-Budget 2027 Statement

August 2026

Summary

The Irish economy is performing strongly and does not need support from Budget 2027.

The Government’s planned budget package for 2027 is larger than appropriate. Spending (net of tax changes) is set to grow faster than the sustainable growth rate of the economy. This comes after fast net spending growth in recent years.  

The actual budget package is likely to be much larger than what is announced on budget day. As a result of spending overruns, net spending has grown much faster than planned in recent years.

Spending overruns have been routine over the last decade, averaging more than €2 billion a year in today’s terms. The last time spending was at, or below, budgeted levels was in 2013.